As the presidential election of 2027 approaches, protecting adolescents from the harmful effects of screens and social media has become a central concern in political discourse. Candidates stand out with their proposals, ranging from restrictive measures like a “digital curfew” and bans on access to social media, to more flexible approaches advocated by others. Let’s analyze the stakes and the diverse perspectives that drive the debate.
Proposals for a digital curfew
President Emmanuel Macron has taken the lead on the issue by implementing, in July 2025, a ban on screen exposure for children under three years old in daycare centers. He now believes that it is also imperative to restrict adolescents’ access to social media by establishing a digital curfew that would prohibit their use at night. This proposal has been enthusiastically embraced by Gabriel Attal, a candidate for the Élysée, who advocates for stricter regulation of the digital world to protect young people.
Fears regarding digital addictions
Proponents of these measures argue that excessive screen use can lead to addictions and harm the mental health of young people. By targeting nighttime use of social media, these candidates hope to restore healthier lifestyles among adolescents, allowing them to better focus on their studies and social interactions outside the digital realm. According to some studies, youth spend up to ten times more time in front of a screen than reading, raising questions about the future of culture and education.
Opposition to bans and the curfew
Conversely, figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Manuel Bompard, representing La France insoumise, firmly oppose the notion of banning access to social media for those under fifteen. They view such a ban as “completely ineffective”, failing to address the real issues related to young people’s engagement with these platforms. The rebellious deputies were even the only ones to vote against the law prohibiting access to social media for those under fifteen, adopted by the National Assembly in early 2026, arguing that it would be more prudent to propose educational solutions.
Diversity of positions within the far right
The issue of digital control also divides the far right. While some voices within the National Rally, notably Jordan Bardella, support the idea of banning social media for those under fifteen, other party members have shown signs of hesitation, particularly during their abstention on European-level proposals aimed at banning access to digital platforms for youths under thirteen. Cohesion within political parties appears fragile on this subject, reflecting significant concern while seeking to preserve young people’s freedom of expression.
Alternative proposals and ongoing reflections
On the side of Édouard Philippe, who has yet to reveal concrete measures related to social media, his program seems to focus on other issues such as the economy and public safety. This lack of specific proposals reflects the complexity of the question and the challenges posed by regulating the digital sphere. A balance will be necessary to avoid infringing on adolescents’ individual freedoms while ensuring their safety online.
A debate to watch closely
The topic of the digital curfew and potential bans on social media will remain at the heart of discussions leading up to the 2027 presidential election. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, upcoming political decisions will be crucial in shaping a digital framework that protects youth while preserving their freedoms. The debates remain vibrant, and political positions are crystallizing around these issues, heralding a presidential campaign rich in ideological tensions.
For those interested in the implementation of these policies, it is essential to consult examples abroad, such as the curfew on social media for minors in the UK or to observe the paradoxes that emerge with the changing behaviors on platforms, as suggested by the article on the golden age of social media. The results of these political reflections will undoubtedly shape the digital future of generations to come.
