France is considering implementing age restrictions for social media access, with a potential ban for minors under 13. Clara Chappaz, the Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and digital, stated that the government is addressing a growing concern of digital tool dependency among young people.
Speaking on BFMTV, Chappaz highlighted the pervasive nature of digital platforms in the lives of children and adolescents. She emphasized the need to protect minors from potential negative impacts associated with early and extensive social media use. While the specific mechanisms and enforcement details are still under discussion, the proposed measure signals a notable governmental effort to regulate the digital habitat for the youngest users.
The declaration comes amid a broader global conversation about the effects of social media on mental health and growth, particularly for children and teenagers. France’s potential move could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues.