French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will ban the use of social media for children under 15 years old if no agreement is reached at the European level. This measure was announced following a tragic incident at a school where a 14-year-old student stabbed a staff member. Macron emphasized the need for urgent action and mobilization at the EU level, stating that they cannot wait. The topic of banning social media for younger users has sparked various reactions in the public and media, focusing on child protection and violence prevention.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the protection of children’s mental health and safety, highlighting the dangers of social media addiction and exposure to harmful content. They often frame Macron’s proposal as a necessary step to safeguard vulnerable youth and call for broader regulatory measures on tech companies.
Center: Centrist sources focus on the balance between protecting children and preserving freedom of expression. They report Macron’s announcement as a pragmatic response to recent violent incidents, stressing the importance of European cooperation and measured policy-making to address social media’s impact on youth.
Right: Right-leaning media often highlight concerns about government overreach and censorship, questioning the effectiveness of banning social media for young teens. They may emphasize personal responsibility and parental control over state intervention, while acknowledging the need to address youth violence.
