France has become the first European Union country to ban social media access for anyone under 15, with the measure to take effect at the start of the new school year and existing accounts to be closed by January 2027. The legislation also expands restrictions by prohibiting mobile phone use in high schools. Driven by President Emmanuel Macron, the law is part of a broader push to protect children from online harms and aims to set a European standard. It faces constitutional and EU-law scrutiny, and supporters argue it safeguards mental health and safety, while critics warn it could curb anonymity and raise enforceability and privacy concerns. The broader context shows a growing wave of age restrictions, with examples including Australia’s under-16 ban and actions in the UAE and Indonesia, underscoring a policy trend toward minors online. The measure could influence similar proposals in other countries such as Greece, Norway, Spain, and the UK.