Post by : Raman

Photo : AP

A French parliamentary commission has made strong recommendations to protect children from the dangers of social media. Their report says children under the age of 15 should be banned from using social media platforms like TikTok. For teenagers aged 15 to 18, the commission suggests a “digital curfew” that stops them from using social media between 10 pm and 8 am.

This decision comes after serious concerns about the mental health effects of social media on young people in France. The commission began its work in March after seven families sued TikTok. These families claimed that the platform had exposed their children to dangerous content, which may have led some to take their own lives.

Laure Miller, a French lawmaker and the person leading the parliamentary commission, said that the ban is needed to send a clear message. She explained that social media is “not harmless” and that both parents and children should understand the risks involved, especially before the age of 15.

During the investigation, the commission listened to families who suffered tragedies, social media company executives, and even TikTok influencers. One mother, Geraldine, shared her heartbreak after losing her 18-year-old daughter, Penelope, to suicide. Geraldine found videos about self-harm that her daughter had posted and watched on TikTok. She explained how very hard it is for parents to monitor everything their children do online.

TikTok responded by saying that keeping young people safe is its “top priority.” The company claims it removes more than 95% of inappropriate content within 24 hours. They also say that 90% of such content is taken down before anyone sees it.

But the commission believes these efforts are not enough. That is why they are asking for stricter rules. Besides banning social media for children under 15 and setting a digital curfew for teenagers, the report goes further. It says that if social media companies do not follow the new laws within three years, they should face an outright ban for users under 18.

The report also recommends a large information campaign to educate the public about social media risks. It proposes creating a new rule that holds parents responsible if they ignore the dangers of social media, calling it a “digital negligence offence.”

A key suggestion from the commission is to require an age verification system when someone signs up for social media. This would make sure that children do not easily lie about their age to get access. However, this idea faces challenges. Social media companies are hesitant to adopt such measures because of technical problems, high costs, and worries about privacy and personal freedoms.

Many European Union (EU) countries, like France, Spain, and Greece, are pushing for stricter rules. They want the EU to make clear laws to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. The main concerns include the addictive nature of these platforms, cyberbullying, and the spread of hate speech.

This issue is not only about laws. It is also about protecting the mental health of young people in a digital world. Many experts believe that social media can be very harmful if not used carefully. It can show unrealistic images, dangerous challenges, and negative ideas that affect how children feel about themselves.

The idea of a digital curfew aims to help teenagers sleep better and reduce their screen time at night. Experts say that using social media late at night is connected to poor sleep and mental health problems in young people.

The French commission’s report is a strong call for action. It shows that governments must take social media’s power seriously and protect children from its dangers. At the same time, it reminds parents to be responsible, talk to their children about online safety, and help them use technology in a healthy way.

In conclusion, France’s plan to ban social media for children under 15 and limit its use for older teens is a step toward protecting young people’s mental health. While social media can be useful, it is not without serious risks, especially for children. This report asks for laws that can keep children safe in a fast-changing digital world.

Social Media Ban, TikTok, France News, Child Safety Online, Digital Curfew, Mental Health, Online Risks