France moves to ban social media for under-15s after school tragedy

PARIS: French authorities have unveiled plans to introduce sweeping new measures, including banning social media access for children under 15 and restricting the sale of knives to minors, following the brutal murder of a school teaching assistant by a 14-year-old student.

The shocking incident took place in the quiet town of Nogent in eastern France, where the teenage suspect allegedly stabbed 31-year-old Melanie, a school assistant, during a routine bag search at the local secondary school. The attack has left the nation in mourning and reignited debates over youth violence and online influences on children.

Flowers, handwritten notes, and heartfelt tributes now line the entrance of the school where the tragedy unfolded. “We share your pain,” read one note left by a grieving community member.

“She was great with kids,” said Laurence Raclot, a local who knew Melanie personally. “In a quiet little town, we never would have thought this could happen.”

Melanie, a former hairdresser who had retrained to work with children, had been part of the school staff since September. She leaves behind a four-year-old son. “There are no words,” said local resident Sabrina Renault. “It’s really sad for her whole family, for that little boy who’s left without his mum.”

A psychological support unit has been established at the school to help students and staff process the trauma.

As investigations continue, the teenage suspect remains in police custody, with authorities extending his detention for another 24 hours. Police have yet to reveal a clear motive behind the horrifying act.

In response to the tragedy, President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to combat the growing problem of knife violence among children and the harmful effects of social media on young minds.

“I am proposing banning social media for children under 15,” Macron declared on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday evening, emphasizing that tech platforms already have the tools to enforce age restrictions. “Let’s do it,” he urged.

Macron further warned that if progress on this front is not made at the European Union level within a few months, France would not hesitate to implement the ban independently. “We cannot wait,” he stressed in an interview with broadcaster France 2.

France has already been coordinating with Greece and Spain on proposals to tighten children’s access to online platforms, amid mounting research highlighting the adverse effects of social media on mental and physical health.