France Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

French lawmakers have approved a new law that will ban children under the age of 15 from using social media without parental consent. The measure makes France the first country in the European Union to introduce such a restriction. The ban is expected to take effect by September, just in time for the new school year. Under the new law, social media platforms will be required to verify the age of their users. Minors under 15 will need approval from a parent or guardian to create accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face significant fines. The law also aims to protect young people from online risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. The decision comes after months of debate in the French National Assembly. Supporters argue that the measure will help safeguard children's mental health and well-being. Critics, however, raise concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of age verification systems. France's move could set a precedent for other EU nations considering similar legislation. The European Commission has been pushing for stronger child protection measures online, and France's law may accelerate those efforts. Tech companies will now need to adapt their platforms to meet the new requirements or risk penalties.