Common Sense Media Applauds President Macron and French Lawmakers for New Law to Protect Children Under 15 From Addictive Social Media
SAN FRANCISCO, July 22, 2026 — Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement on France's new policy restricting social media for children under 15:
"Common Sense Media applauds President Macron and French lawmakers for taking this important and decisive step to protect kids and their families from the harmful effects of addictive social media.
"France is now the first country in the European Union to adopt a social media delay for kids and teens, but the momentum is clearly building in the EU and globally to protect children from the proven risks social media poses to their mental health, and we strongly support this movement. Common Sense Media is championing similar legislation in California to delay the creation of social media accounts for kids under 16.
"France's new policy isn't about stopping our children from getting on social media. It's about stopping social media companies from getting to our children. Children and teens will still be able to find information and resources online. What changes is that a social media company will no longer be able to hand a child the digital equivalent of a pack of cigarettes. Social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep kids hooked; the industry knows it, and they've chosen to do nothing. That's why lawmakers around the world are taking action.
"This is a pivotal moment. Lawmakers, from Canberra to Paris and soon to Sacramento and beyond, are listening to the millions of families who, for years, have been voicing their concerns about how social media hurts their kids' mental health. We will keep this momentum going and build a safer digital future for children across the globe."
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year.