French law requires parental consent for social media users under 15

In a digital age where the average 13-year-old has 1,300 photos circulating online, France is taking unprecedented steps to protect its youth from the dangers of social media, implementing strict parental consent laws and platform verification requirements for users under 15.

Recent data from the e-Enfance Association paints a stark picture: 82% of French minors encounter harmful content online, ranging from illegal drug sales to inappropriate photos and videos. The statistics become more concerning when examining social media usage among young children, with 67% of children aged 8-10 and 86% of those aged 8-18 actively using these platforms.

“Our first reflex should be to remember that a child should never be left alone with a digital screen,” says Laura Morin, general director of the L’Enfant Bleu Association. She likens phones, tablets, and computers to a “window to the world” that requires careful supervision.

The consequences of unrestricted social media access are already manifesting in French schools, where incidents of exclusion and verbal harassment have risen. One in four French families now reports experiencing cyberbullying, with 51% of affected children struggling academically and 52% developing sleep disorders and appetite problems.

Under a 2023 law, social media platforms must now verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for children under 15, with potential fines of up to 1% of global revenue for non-compliance. Parents can also request the suspension of their children’s accounts.

Despite these measures, enforcement remains challenging. Morin warns that children as young as eight are creating social media accounts by simply entering false birthdates. More worryingly, predators exploit these platforms by posing as peers. “Child abusers often gain children’s trust by presenting themselves as ‘best friends, confidants or similar personas’ and later make sexual demands, such as sending nude photos,” Morin explains.