France intends to launch a new campaign to protect children from excessive use of digital screens, with a proposal to ban children under 15 from using social networks starting in September of next year, according to a draft law.
The French draft points to “studies and reports confirming the multiple risks resulting from excessive use of digital screens among teenagers.” Last month, supporting the initiative, it was stated that parliament should begin discussing a proposal in this direction in January.
This month, Australia banned children under 16 from using social media, in a global precedent.
The government indicated that children who use the internet without restrictions are exposed to “inappropriate content” and may suffer from cyberbullying or experience changes in their sleep patterns.
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The draft law includes two articles. One criminalizes “providing an online social networking service to minors under 15.” The second calls for a ban on the use of mobile phones in secondary schools.
Protecting minors is a priority
It was stated that digital protection for minors is a priority for the government, but its implementation and compliance with international law pose a challenge.
A ban on the use of mobile phones in childcare facilities and middle schools came into effect in 2018, but it is rarely enforced.
In December of last year, the French Senate, the upper house of parliament, approved an initiative to protect teenagers from excessive use of digital screens and access to social networks, requiring parental consent for children between 13 and 16 years old to register on social networking platforms.
The text approved by the Senate was referred to the National Assembly, which must approve it for it to become law.
