French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for a European Union-wide regulation to ban social media use for children under 15, following a deadly school stabbing in Nogent, Haute-Marne. Macron made the announcement during an interview with France 2, just hours after a 31-year-old school aide was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old student during a routine bag check for weapons.
Stating that social media contributes to rising youth violence, Macron said, “If the EU doesn't act, we will implement the ban in France. We cannot wait.” He later reiterated on platform X (formerly Twitter) that social media platforms have the tools to verify users’ ages and should start enforcing them, echoing support from child safety experts.
The French leader’s comments follow Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s acknowledgment that such violent incidents in schools are not isolated. The government is increasing pressure on tech companies amid growing concern about the impact of social media on youth behavior and mental health.
Macron’s proposal aligns with a global trend to tighten digital regulations for minors. Australia recently introduced one of the strictest laws, banning social media access for children under 16. Similar debates are unfolding across Europe and North America, as policymakers seek to protect children from harmful online content and real-world consequences.
As France reels from another tragic school attack, Macron’s move underscores the urgency to address digital exposure among minors. With rising concerns about the link between social media and youth aggression, his proposal could become a significant test for EU digital policy and Big Tech accountability.