French President calls for urgent regulation of social media access for minors following deadly school incident
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to push for a European Union-wide ban on social media use for children under 15, following the fatal stabbing of a school aide at a middle school in Nogent, Haute-Marne. The shocking incident has reignited concerns over youth violence and the influence of social media platforms.
Speaking on France 2 on Tuesday night, Macron urged swift action to protect children online and curb the growing trend of school-related violence.
“If that does not work, we will start to do it in France. We cannot wait,” Macron said, emphasizing the urgency of EU regulation.
School Stabbing Sparks National Outcry
The call for regulation comes just hours after a 31-year-old school aide was fatally stabbed during a routine bag search at a middle school in eastern France. A 14-year-old student is currently being questioned by police over the attack.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou addressed parliament on Tuesday, stating the incident was “not an isolated case.”
Macron Blames Social Media for Youth Violence
In his interview and later on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Macron pointed to social media as a key factor in youth violence. He criticised tech platforms for failing to implement age verification and urged them to act: “Platforms have the ability to verify age. Do it,” Macron posted. The French president also cited expert support for the move and said he hoped to see tangible progress within months.
Global Momentum for Social Media Age Restrictions
Macron’s push adds to a growing international trend of tightening restrictions on minors’ access to digital platforms:
- Australia implemented one of the world’s strictest social media age restrictions in 2024, banning access for under-16s after an emotional nationwide debate.
- Reports by Australia’s online safety regulator found that children can easily bypass age rules set by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, despite official policies barring users under 13.
Macron’s proposal seeks to strengthen enforcement through government-mandated age verification systems, shifting responsibility from parents to platforms and regulators.
What’s Next?
Macron said he expects to work closely with EU partners to craft regulation that would apply across all member states. If negotiations stall, he vowed to proceed with national legislation in France to impose the age limit independently.
A Pivotal Moment in Digital Child Safety
Macron’s bold call for a social media ban for under-15s reflects rising concerns about children’s online safety, mental health, and real-world violence linked to digital behaviour. As pressure mounts on tech companies to do more, France could become a European leader in regulating Big Tech’s impact on youth.
