French lawmakers approve a sweeping social media ban for children under 15

In a bid to protect the mental and emotional well-being of young people, French lawmakers have approved a sweeping ban on social media for children under the age of 15. The new law, which is set to come into effect next year, prohibits social media companies from allowing minors to create accounts or access their platforms. The move is seen as a major step forward in regulating the tech industry and protecting children from the potential harms of social media, including cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content. The law also requires social media companies to verify the age of users and to provide parents and guardians with tools to monitor and control their children’s online activities. French lawmakers have hailed the ban as a necessary measure to safeguard the health and well-being of young people, citing growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health and social relationships. The move is likely to be watched closely by other countries, as governments around the world grapple with the challenges of regulating the tech industry and protecting children in the digital age.