France Set to Approve Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

French lawmakers are on the verge of approving a law that would ban social media use for children under the age of 15. The legislation, expected to receive final approval from both houses of parliament, aims to address growing concerns about the mental health of young people. If enacted, the ban would take effect by the start of the new school year in September, making France the first European Union country to impose such restrictions. Under the proposed law, platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube would be required to block access for users under 15. France would follow Australia, which implemented the world's first ban for under-16s on similar platforms in December. The French bill has sparked debate about balancing online safety with freedom of expression. Supporters argue it is necessary to protect children from harmful content and addiction, while critics worry about enforcement and potential overreach. The legislation is part of a broader effort in Europe to regulate social media companies and safeguard minors in the digital space.