France's lower house passes bill banning social media for under-15s

PARIS - France's National Assembly approved on Monday legislation that bans children and teenagers under 15 from using social media, citing concerns over its impact on mental health.

The bill will go to the Senate ahead of becoming law.

The move is part of a global trend to restrict social media access for children, driven by increasing evidence of its harmful effects on mental health. A similar law was passed in Australia late last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a "major step" to protect the country's children and teenagers.