On June 10, 2025, a 14-year-old teenager fatally stabbed a supervisor at the entrance of his school in Nogent, Haute-Marne. This incident caused a national shock. Thus, amid collective emotion, Emmanuel Macron seized the opportunity to revive a proposal he had already been discussing since 2024: banning social media for those under 15.
The president, invited on France 2 that same evening, wishes to impose this ban in the coming months. However, this will not happen if an agreement is reached at the European level. "We cannot wait," he insisted. This statement reaffirms his desire to regulate the digital exposure of the youngest.
A priority affirmed at the European level
This idea is not new. In May 2025, Emmanuel Macron was already emphasizing the need for strict age control to access social media. He advocated for harmonized legislation throughout the European Union. “This is a competence that belongs to Europe,” he reminded. For her part, Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs, had given a deadline of three months to convince European partners, failing which France would act alone.
Spain and Greece support this initiative. However, within the EU, a quick consensus seems difficult to achieve. The Australian example illustrates the obstacles that this type of project raises.
Australia as an example… and a warning
At the end of 2024, Australia became the first country in the world to ban TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for those under 16. This legislation will only be applied at the end of 2025. Indeed, test phases on age verification methods are planned beforehand.
This Australian policy has sparked strong criticism. Amnesty International and the Australian Greens denounce a risk of isolation for young people already in difficulty. Other voices, like that of Elon Musk, mention an infringement on freedom of expression. Moreover, academic experts believe that this ban will not solve the problems it aims to combat.
A framework already provided by French law
In France, the law on digital majority was adopted in the summer of 2023. It requires parental authorization for those under 15 to access social platforms. However, this provision has never been implemented. The reason: uncertainties about its compliance with European law.
Faced with this inertia, Emmanuel Macron changes his tone. He now promises to act, even alone, even if it means defying the slow pace of Brussels. He mentions technical solutions, such as facial recognition, to ensure compliance with the legal age. Additionally, he considers analyzing digital identifiers as a complementary option.
A global response to a society in crisis
Beyond digital issues, the head of state denounces a climate of widespread violence. “This is not an isolated event,” he said, highlighting the rise in assaults, including among teenagers. He mentions broken families, weakened authority rules, and a hyperconnected society that fosters the escalation of tensions.
He also proposes to strengthen the ban on bladed weapons for minors, particularly their online purchase. “A fifteen-year-old will no longer be able to buy a knife on the Internet,” he warned.
Between emotion and reason: what effectiveness?
However, several voices are raised to remind that the ban alone will not suffice. Content control, parental support, and media education must accompany any coercive measure. Otherwise, these restrictions risk remaining symbolic.
The murder of Mélanie, the supervisor from Nogent, highlighted the flaws of an exhausted system. In response, the president turns the pain into a political lever, linking juvenile violence and screen usage.
The outcome will depend on European negotiations. But already, the debate is launched: can social media be legally and effectively banned for teenagers? And above all, at what cost to their freedoms?