Macron threatens under-15 social media ban in France if EU fails to act

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to ban access to social media for children under 15 within months if the European Union does not act, citing growing concerns about youth safety and online influence.

“We must ban social media for those under 15,” Macron said in an interview with France 2 on Tuesday night. “I’m giving us a few months to get the European mobilisation going. Otherwise… we’ll start doing it in France. We can’t wait,” he added.

His comments come after a 14-year-old student fatally stabbed a school staff member during a routine bag check at a middle school in Nogent, eastern France. A police officer assisting with the check sustained minor injuries while apprehending the suspect, who used the same knife in both attacks.

The student was arrested at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed any direct connection between the attack and social media content, although local media have speculated about a possible link, which Macron's comments appeared to echo indirectly.

The French president's warning signals increased political urgency around youth protection online, particularly in the wake of rising violence involving minors. His administration has previously called for stricter digital age verification and greater platform responsibility.

Macron's remarks suggest that France may act unilaterally if the EU fails to deliver coordinated action soon.

Copied