Stop children using smartphones until they are 13, say French experts in report

Children should not access most social media until 18 amid attempt to ‘monetise’ and ‘control’ them, says study commissioned by Macron

Children should not be allowed to use smartphones until they are 13 and be banned from accessing conventional social media such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat until they are 18, according to a report by experts commissioned by Emmanuel Macron.

The French president had asked scientists and experts to suggest screen use guidelines for children with a view to France taking unprecedented steps on limiting their exposure. It was unclear how the government might now proceed after the report’s publication. “There might be bans, there might be restrictions,” Macron said in January.