A French parliamentary commission has called for a ban on social media usage for children under 15 and proposed a nighttime “digital curfew” from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. for teenagers aged 15 to 18. The recommendation follows a six-month inquiry into TikTok’s effects on minors, revealing that the platform exposes children to toxic, addictive, and potentially harmful content. Prompted by lawsuits from affected families and a rise in youth mental health issues and violent incidents, the report warns that social media algorithms can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and sleep problems, raising urgent concerns about children’s safety online.

France and TikTok: The inquiry and its findings

The investigation was prompted after seven families sued TikTok in late 2024, claiming the platform exposed their children to harmful content that contributed to self-harm and suicides. French authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron, also pointed to social media as a factor in rising youth aggression and psychological distress. Over six months, the parliamentary commission collected testimonies from affected families, child psychologists, social media executives, and influencers. TikTok was specifically criticized as “a production line of distress” due to its algorithms, which can trap teens in cycles of addictive and harmful content.

Key findings about TikTok’s risks

The report concluded that TikTok’s moderation measures are insufficient and often bypassed easily by minors. The platform was found to negatively affect mental health, sleep patterns, and self-esteem among teenagers. Arthur Delaporte, chair of the commission, recommended investigating whether TikTok may have endangered users’ lives, under French law. In response, TikTok rejected the findings, calling them misleading and asserting that it has extensive safety programs to protect young users.

Reactions and criticism

While the recommendations have political support, critics raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and potential workarounds by young users. Digital rights groups noted that strict age verification and digital curfews could be hard to implement effectively. There is also ongoing debate over whether platforms, device manufacturers, or regulators should enforce these restrictions. Despite these concerns, the urgency of protecting children’s mental health keeps the issue at the forefront of public and legislative attention.

Government response and future plans

President Macron supports the social media ban for under-15s and encourages European-wide regulatory action, warning that France may act independently if necessary. Policymakers are also exploring stricter transparency, parental controls, and accountability measures for social media platforms. These steps aim to mitigate the risks of online exposure and protect minors from harmful content.