French children under 15 should be banned from social media, and there should be an overnight 'digital curfew' for 15-18 year-olds, according to a recent parliamentary report.
The six-month inquiry into the psychological effects of TikTok on minors found that the platform ‘knowingly exposes our children, our young people to toxic, dangerous and addictive content.’
Laure Miller, the lead author of the inquiry, stated: 'We must force TikTok to rethink its model,' following testimonies from both teenagers and affected families.
TikTok has responded, rejecting the commission's claims, stating it is 'misleading' and aims to 'scapegoat our company for broader industry issues.'
While TikTok mentions an ongoing robust safety program and features to protect younger users, the commission described the platform as one of the worst offenders, remarking that it acts as a 'production line of distress' for vulnerable young people, claiming TikTok had failed to minimize exposure to harmful content.
These recommendations come on the heels of similar moves in Australia, where a social media ban for users under 16 will commence on December 10, 2025. This ban includes significant penalties for platforms that do not comply.
The inquiry was initiated after families accused TikTok of exacerbating mental health issues, leading to tragic outcomes, including suicides. Emotional testimonies highlighted how detrimental content encourages harmful behaviors among impressionable youth.
Among the 43 recommendations made by the inquiry are the prohibition of social media for children under 15, restrictions on overnight app usage, bans on mobile phone use in school, and the introduction of a potential offense for parental negligence regarding digital safety.
Arthur Delaporte, the inquiry's chairman, indicated that allegations of TikTok 'endangering lives' would be referred to the Paris public prosecutor for further investigation.
As France considers these recommendations, other European countries like Denmark and Spain are also contemplating legal changes to limit children's social media access. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated she will closely monitor the situation in Australia to evaluate options suitable for Europe.
