French lawmakers have approved a social media ban for children under 15, a move aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content. The bill, which also restricts mobile phone use in high schools, was passed by a 130-21 vote in the National Assembly and is expected to take effect at the start of the next school year in September. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the legislation to be fast-tracked, and it will now be reviewed by the Senate.

“Banning social media for those under 15: this is what scientists recommend, and this is what the French people are overwhelmingly calling for,” Macron said.

“Our children’s brains are not for sale — neither to American platforms...