Egypt and France have become the latest countries to move toward restricting young teens’ access to social media, joining a growing list of nations alarmed by the impact of digital platforms on minors.
The new moves come amid rising global concern over children’s exposure to harmful online content, excessive screen time, and what policymakers increasingly describe as a threat to mental health and social development.
JolibaLive News has previously reported on similar proposed or implemented restrictions in parts of the United States, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, signaling a widening international push to regulate minors’ digital lives.
In Egypt, lawmakers have formally begun steps toward drafting legislation aimed at regulating young teens’ use of social media platforms, following a public call by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.
The proposed action was announced late Sunday by Egypt’s House of Representatives, which said the country must urgently confront what it described as “digital chaos” affecting children nationwide.
President el-Sissi, speaking during a televised address on Saturday, urged lawmakers and government agencies to consider legislation that would restrict young teens’ access to social media until “they reach an age when they can handle it properly.”
Egypt Moves to Tackle ‘Digital Chaos’ Affecting Children
In an official statement, Egypt’s House of Representatives said it would begin work on legislation to regulate children’s use of social media platforms and “put an end to the digital chaos our children are facing, and which negatively impacts their future.”
Lawmakers said consultations would be held with government agencies and relevant expert bodies as part of the legislative process. The goal, according to parliament, is to draft a law that would “protect Egyptian children from any risks that threaten its thoughts and behavior.”
President el-Sissi also encouraged Egyptian authorities to study policies being adopted abroad, pointing to countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom that are already moving to “restrict or ban” children from accessing social media platforms.
Concerns over online exposure among minors remain pronounced in Egypt. A 2024 report by the National Center for Social and Criminological Research found that about 50% of children under 18 use social media, where they are likely to encounter harmful content, cyberbullying, and online abuse.
Globally, Egypt’s discussions reflect a broader trend toward stricter digital regulation for minors, as governments reassess the role of technology companies in shaping children’s behavior and emotional development.
France Pushes Ahead with Under-15 Social Media Ban
France has also intensified its legislative push to curb social media access for minors. French lawmakers were set to vote on Monday on a draft law that would ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms.
The proposed legislation, introduced by centrist lawmakers, is strongly backed by President Emmanuel Macron and forms part of wider efforts to curb excessive screen time and protect minors’ mental health.
Speaking in a video message broadcast on Saturday, Macron said the law was designed to shield young people from exploitation by powerful technology companies. “The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms,” he said.
The draft law also includes provisions to ban mobile phones in high schools. Debate on the bill was scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) in the National Assembly, with expectations that it would pass the lower house before moving to the Senate.
The French government is pushing for swift adoption. If approved, the measures would take effect from the start of the 2026 school year, initially applying to new social media accounts.
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, now leader of President Macron’s Renaissance party lawmakers, said the Senate could pass the bill by mid-February. “That would mean the law could be adopted within a month, with the ban coming into force for new accounts on September 1,” Attal said.
He added that platforms would have until December 31 to deactivate existing accounts that fail to meet the new age requirements.
As more countries weigh similar restrictions, the global debate over child safety, digital freedom, and the power of social media platforms continues to intensify. Are governments acting fast enough, or is regulation already overdue?
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
