Summary：**French lawmakers urgently seek under-15 social media ban before school starts** *French lawmakers

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**French lawmakers urgently seek under-15 social media ban before school starts**
*French lawmakers are working to finalize a bill banning social media for children under 15*

**Introduction**
As the new academic year approaches, French legislators are accelerating efforts to pass a measure that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social‑media platforms. The proposal, driven by growing concerns over mental health, cyberbullying, and data privacy, aims to be enacted before classrooms reopen in September. Supporters argue that early intervention is essential to shield young users from the addictive design of apps that prioritize engagement over wellbeing.

**Key Developments**
A cross‑party committee in the National Assembly unveiled the draft bill last week, citing a recent government‑commissioned study that linked heavy social‑media use among pre‑teens to increased anxiety and reduced attention spans. The legislation would require platforms to implement age‑verification mechanisms and block accounts held by users declared under 15, with fines reaching up to 4 % of global turnover for non‑compliance. Education Minister Gabriel Attal voiced strong backing, stating that schools cannot shoulder the burden of digital safety alone. Meanwhile, tech lobbyists have warned that the rule could push minors toward less regulated, potentially more hazardous online spaces.

**Industry Analysis**
Industry analysts note that France would become one of the first EU members to enforce a blanket age‑based restriction rather than relying on parental consent models. Such a move could prompt a ripple effect across Europe, where policymakers are already debating stricter age‑gates under the Digital Services Act. Market observers predict that major platforms may invest heavily in AI‑driven age‑estimation tools to avoid penalties, while smaller niche apps might see a surge in traffic from users seeking loopholes. Child‑advoc