France approves bill to ban social media use for children under 15

France has approved a bill banning the use of social media for children under the age of 15.

Following its passage in the lower house, the bill will now require approval from the Senate.

According to news agencies, the legislation has been introduced in response to growing concerns over online harassment and the risks posed to children’s mental health.

The bill was presented today in France’s National Assembly and proposes a complete ban on the use of social media platforms by underage children.

It also includes a proposal to extend the existing ban on smartphone use in middle schools to high schools.

The draft law states that excessive social media use among minors is contributing to a rise in mental health problems.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously identified social media as one of the factors behind increasing violent behaviour among young people and has expressed support for introducing restrictions similar to those already implemented in Australia, aimed at limiting social media use by underage children in France.