Macron’s Big Announcement
French President Emmanuel Macron told his government to fast track legislation to ban children under 15 from social media. He wants the rule to be in force by the start of the next school year in September. Macron framed the move as protecting kids from manipulation by foreign platforms and algorithms. Supporters cheer a strong leader protecting youth. Skeptics see a quick political fix from a leader whose approval ratings are low.
What He Says And The Numbers
French health watchdog studies show heavy smartphone use among teens. Reports say roughly half of teenagers spend two to five hours a day on a smartphone and that most kids 12 to 17 use smartphones daily. Macron says the brains and emotions of young people should not be for sale, blaming big tech and foreign algorithms. Those are real concerns, but the solution matters as much as the problem.
Politics And Timing
This announcement comes as Macron faces weak public support. Fast tracking laws right before a school year looks good on TV and sounds decisive. Conservatives should notice how easy it is for leaders to use safety arguments to rush policy without full debate. Good policy needs evidence, careful rules, and respect for parental rights, not just a PR moment.
Freedom, Tech, And Practical Questions
Banning kids under 15 from social platforms raises practical and liberty questions. Who enforces the rule? How do parents regain control of screen time without expanding state power? Would such a ban push kids to less visible apps or create privacy pitfalls? Conservatives can support protecting children while still warning against heavy handed government solutions that reduce freedom and increase bureaucracy.
🇫🇷🧠📵 The brain under a bell jar: Macron, authoritarian father of the scroll generation
By @BPartisansEmmanuel Macron has made his decision. Clear. Sharp. Surgical.
"We are banning social media for children under 15," he declared, his voice grave and his posture paternal, as… pic.twitter.com/3FvdMqhRQ9— Brainless Partisans 🏴☠️☢️☣️🪆 (@BPartisans) January 24, 2026
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