France Passes Law Banning Social Media for Children Under 15

France's parliament has approved a new law that bans children under 15 from using social media platforms like TikTok without parental consent. This makes France the first country in the European Union to introduce such a restriction. President Emmanuel Macron has strongly supported the measure, calling it a major step forward for protecting young people. The law is set to take effect in September. Under the new rules, social media companies must verify users' ages and obtain parental permission for minors under 15. If companies fail to comply, they could face fines. The ban applies to platforms that require an account, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. Children who already have accounts will need parental consent to continue using them. The law is part of a broader effort to address concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and safety. Macron said, "France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers." The government plans to launch an awareness campaign to inform parents about the new rules. Some critics argue the ban may be difficult to enforce and could limit free speech. However, supporters say it is necessary to shield children from online risks like cyberbullying and harmful content. The law also includes education on digital citizenship. France hopes other EU countries will adopt similar measures.