France approves social media ban for children under 15

France’s parliament has approved the European Union’s first nationwide social media ban for children under 15.

From September, platforms must stop them from opening new accounts. Existing accounts must be closed within four months.

Companies will have to verify users’ ages. Educational and scientific services are exempt.

The law also extends France’s school phone ban to high schools.

President Emmanuel Macron says the measure will protect children’s health, but it could still face constitutional and enforcement challenges.