An expert panel, appointed by French President Emmanuel Macron, has recommended limiting the use of smartphones and social media for children and teenagers. The panel suggested that children under 11 should not have cellphones, and those under 13 should not use smartphones with internet access. Additionally, the panel recommended that social media apps should be inaccessible to those under 15, and minors over 15 should only use platforms considered "ethical," as determined by lawmakers.
Macron, aiming to improve his approval ratings, pledged in January to introduce stricter laws to reduce children's screen time and social media use. This reflects a growing global concern among parents, psychologists, and policymakers that new technologies may be harmful to young minds.
Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General warned that social media could significantly harm young people's mental health and called on tech companies to protect children during critical stages of brain development.
The expert panel, led by neurologist Servane Mouton and psychiatry professor Amine Benyamina, submitted its recommendations to Macron on Tuesday. However, there is currently no timeline for new legislation, and it remains uncertain how closely it will align with the panel's suggestions.
The group emphasized the need to tighten regulations for tech companies, which they deemed primarily responsible for addressing these issues. They also highlighted that excessive screen time can affect children's sleep and contribute to child obesity, while social media can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.