France Bans Social Media for Kids Under 15, First in EU

France has become the first European Union country to ban children under 15 from using social media, following a vote by both chambers of Parliament. The law responds to growing concerns about harmful content and teen suicides linked to social media, with some families suing TikTok. French citizen Gaëlle Berbonde, whose daughter suffered depression and anorexia after exposure on TikTok, supported the bill. President Emmanuel Macron has made the ban a signature policy, stating France is leading Europe in protecting children. The law is under constitutional review, with left-wing party France Unbowed arguing it is unconstitutional and impossible to enforce without ending online anonymity. Age verification challenges are noted, as seen in the UK's Online Safety Act. Australia instituted a similar national ban in 2024 but struggles with enforcement. In the US, multiple states are pursuing bans, and Senator Brian Schatz proposed the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA) with bipartisan support.