French President Emmanuel Macron announced a ban on social media access for children under 15 years old if progress is not made at the European Union level. The decision follows a deadly attack by a student on a school supervisor. Macron emphasized that excessive use of social media is a risk factor for children and that age verification controls should be introduced. France plans to take measures before a possible joint European decision, including age verification on websites and banning the sale of knives to minors. Authorities will also impose heavy fines on sites that do not comply. These measures are part of a broader EU initiative to protect children online.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the protection of children from harmful effects of social media, highlighting the need for regulation to safeguard mental health and prevent exposure to inappropriate content. They may also discuss the role of social media companies in contributing to these risks and call for stronger government intervention.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the announcement factually, focusing on the details of the proposed ban and the context of recent violent incidents. They present the government’s rationale and the steps being taken within the EU framework, maintaining a balanced view on the benefits and challenges of such regulation.
Right: Right-leaning media often stress the importance of protecting traditional values and public safety, supporting strict measures against social media use by minors. They may also highlight concerns about online dangers and advocate for tougher penalties on platforms that fail to comply, framing the ban as a necessary step to prevent youth exposure to harmful influences.
