France races to pass under-15 social media ban despite EU clash

French lawmakers are attempting to hammer out a compromise this week to ban social media for children under 15 before the summer parliamentary recess. A joint committee of seven senators and seven National Assembly members met on Monday to bridge their differences. The goal is to have the legislation ready for the start of the school year in September.

The main obstacle is legal rather than political. The European Commission has warned that the bill overlaps with the EU Digital Services Act, meaning it cannot be passed before the legally required notification period ends on August 10. Lawmakers also remain split on the ban's scope, with the Assembly pushing for a blanket prohibition on all social networking services while the Senate favors a targeted blacklist.

The Senate contends that the EU's concerns lie solely with provisions that grant excessive power to the French audiovisual and digital regulator. Both chambers agree to exempt online encyclopedias, educational directories, and open-source software platforms. The package also includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools.

The bill has strong backing from President Emmanuel Macron, who is looking to pass one of his final major measures before leaving office next year. France's push comes as the European Commission prepares its own response, with a proposal for the 27 member states expected in the near future. Earlier this month, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for strict limits on children's screen time and noted that infinite scrolling is an addictive trait tech companies must address.

A special EU panel has already recommended blocking access for children under 13 until tech companies can prove their platforms are safe. The legislative sprint in Paris is driven by alarming domestic health data. According to France’s health watchdog, 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily, with 58% using them for social networks.

The agency found that half of teenagers spend between two and five hours a day on their devices, exposing them to risks like reduced self-esteem and content promoting self-harm or suicide. Several French families have already filed lawsuits against TikTok over teen suicides they allege are linked to harmful content. "Everyone must rise to the importance of the issue at stake, which is nothing less than protecting the physical and mental health of our children,” the Senate said.