France has become the first European Union country to ban social media access for children under 15, marking a significant escalation in efforts to protect young people from the platforms' effects on mental health and wellbeing. The move follows growing international momentum on the issue, with Australia's earlier ban credited with boosting family time and improving children's sleep and focus, a precedent French officials appear keen to emulate.

The policy positions France ahead of other EU member states in tackling children's social media use, though the article does not detail the specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties involved. Commentators, including social psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt, have pointed to Australia's ban as evidence of the potential benefits, citing a reported 30% increase in family time alongside better sleep and concentration among children, while stressing that government support remains essential to help parents manage the change.