France bans under-15s from social media
France passes law banning under-15s from social media
- Level
- B2 Upper Intermediate
- Estimated time
- 40-45 minutes
- Reading
- 1 min read
The story
France has approved legislation that will ban children under the age of 15 from opening social media accounts. The bill, which passed through parliament this week, requires platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat to introduce age verification for all new users in France.
Supporters of the law argue that it is a necessary step to protect children's mental health. Several French studies have suggested that heavy social media use among teenagers is linked to anxiety, poor sleep and lower school performance. "We are not banning the internet," one government minister said. "We are asking companies to take responsibility for the youngest users."
Critics, however, question how the government will enforce the rules. Technology researchers warn that determined teenagers will find loopholes, for example by borrowing an older sibling's account or using a virtual private network to appear to be in another country. Others argue that the law removes an important social space from young people without offering an alternative.
Parents are divided. Some welcome a clear national rule that takes the daily argument about screen time out of the home. Others believe that a ban treats a complex problem too simply, and that schools should teach digital skills instead. The government says it will review the effect of the measure after two years, and that families will be able to opt out only in limited circumstances.
Key vocabulary
- parliament
- The national group of people who make a country's laws.“The French parliament voted in favour of the new law.”
- legislation
- A law, or a set of laws, passed by a government.“The legislation will come into force next January.”
- enforce
- To make sure that a law or rule is obeyed.“Critics ask how the government will enforce the age limit.”
- verification
- The process of checking that something is true or correct.“Platforms must introduce age verification for new users.”
- loophole
- A small mistake or gap in a law that lets people avoid it.“Teenagers may find loopholes by using a parent's account.”
- mental health
- The condition of a person's mind and emotions.“Doctors have linked heavy social media use to worse mental health.”
- curb
- To control or limit something harmful.“The measure is designed to curb screen time among children.”
- opt out
- To choose not to take part in something.“Parents can opt out by giving written permission.”
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. What is the minimum age for opening a social media account under the new French law?
2. What must platforms introduce for new users in France?
3. Give one reason supporters give for the law.
4. Name one way critics say teenagers could avoid the ban.
5. When will the government review the effect of the law?
Grammar focus
The passive voice in news reporting
News writing often uses the passive voice when the action matters more than the person doing it, or when the doer is obvious or unknown. Form the passive with the verb *be* + past participle. The agent can be added with *by* if it is important.
- France has approved legislation that will ban under-15s.(Active: the agent (France) is the subject.)
- Legislation **has been approved** by the French parliament.(Present perfect passive: has been + approved.)
- Age verification **will be introduced** next year.(Future passive: will be + introduced.)
- The measure **is designed** to curb screen time.(Present simple passive: is + designed.)
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the correct passive form of the verb in brackets.
1. The bill ______ (pass) by parliament this week.
2. Age verification ______ (introduce) for all new users next year.
3. The measure ______ (design) to protect young people.
4. The effects of the law ______ (review) after two years.
5. Several studies ______ (publish) about teenage screen time.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Would a law like this work in your country? Why or why not?
- Who should be most responsible for children's online safety: governments, technology companies, schools or parents?
- Is it better to ban something harmful or to teach people how to use it well? Give reasons.