The question of whether under-15s should be barred from social media is rapidly moving from debate to policy across several countries, and it is now firmly on the agenda in Monaco…
This week, France’s National Assembly adopted a bill prohibiting access to social networks for children under the age of 15, reigniting discussion about the impact of digital platforms on young people’s mental health, development and safety.
France is not alone. Australia has already taken a decisive step, announcing a ban on social media for children under 16, one of the strictest positions adopted worldwide. In the United Kingdom, meanwhile, the issue is also gaining political momentum, with ministers openly considering tougher age restrictions and enhanced regulation of platforms, particularly around algorithms and addictive design features aimed at minors.
In Monaco, organisations working in child protection are watching these developments closely. Action Innocence, which has spent two decades raising awareness about online risks, has broadly welcomed the French vote as a positive signal, while cautioning that age limits alone may not address the root of the problem. According to the association, social media platforms expose children to cyberbullying, anxiety, eating disorders, sleep disruption and addictive behaviours, driven in large part by recommendation algorithms designed to maximise screen time.
The debate also raises wider questions about responsibility. While legislation can set boundaries, parents remain on the front line, often struggling to balance digital access with protection. Campaigners argue that meaningful progress will require not only age restrictions, but also stronger regulation of algorithms, clearer accountability for platforms, and better digital education for families.
As countries experiment with different approaches, Monaco now faces its own reflection: whether to follow the path of outright bans, tighter controls, or a pioneering regulatory model that tackles the digital ecosystem itself rather than its youngest users alone.
