Macron threatens social media ban for minors
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling for a ban on social media for teenagers under 15
Image: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
France will block social media access for children under 15 'within a few months' if the EU does not take coordinated action, French President Emmanuel Macron stated following a deadly knife attack at a local school.
'We must ban social media for those under 15,' Macron told the broadcaster France 2 on Tuesday. Hours earlier, a 14-year-old student attacked a 31-year-old teaching assistant during a school bag check for weapons in Nogent in eastern France. He then injured a police officer with the same knife and was arrested at the scene, according to the National Gendarmerie.
'I'm giving us a few months to get the European mobilization going. Otherwise... we'll start doing it in France. We can't wait,' Macron said.
The student, described as well-behaved and with no prior issues, had participated in anti-bullying activities and came from a stable family. The victim, a mother of two, had reportedly worked at the school since September.
Macron said social media was one of the factors to blame for violence among young people as the incident was not an isolated case. In April, a high school student in western France fatally stabbed a girl and injured three boys before being arrested.
Writing on X after the interview, Macron said such regulation was backed by experts. 'Platforms have the ability to verify age. Do it,' he wrote.
Earlier this year, 200 schools in France began piloting a 'digital break,' barring students under 15 from using smartphones during school hours. The Education Ministry also stepped up school security, with random bag checks leading to 186 knife seizures in two months this spring.
Spain and Greece are also backing a plan to require age verification technology on all internet-connected devices. The proposal would make such verification mandatory for platforms such as Facebook and X.
The European Commission and several EU states are developing pilot programs to test age checks and parental controls. However, progress is being slowed by differing regulations across EU countries and the ease with which users can access social media platforms from outside the bloc.
In Russia, restrictions introduced in September ban students from using mobile phones in schools, allowing exceptions only in emergencies.
RT News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
24 minutes ago
- IOL News
China 'deeply concerned' over Israeli strikes on Iran
iol Rescue teams work outside a heavily damaged building, targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. Israel carried out strikes against Iran early on June 13, targeting its nuclear and military sites as well as residential buildings in Tehran, after US President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive conflict" in the region. (Photo by AFP) iol Rescue teams work outside a heavily damaged building, targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. Israel carried out strikes against Iran early on June 13, targeting its nuclear and military sites as well as residential buildings in Tehran, after US President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive conflict" in the region. (Photo by AFP) China is deeply concerned about Israeli attacks on Iran and calls on relevant parties to act in ways conducive to regional peace and stability, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday. China stands ready to play a constructive role in helping to cool down the situation, spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing. IOL
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Time for the Youth to Rediscover Their Militancy and Voices
Edwin Naidu | Published 3 hours ago Edwin Naidu South Africa observes June 16 on Monday, the day when youth revolted against Afrikaans as a compulsory school subject. Three decades into democracy, Afrikaans is entrenched as one of the country's official languages, almost five decades after the fight against it. Ironically, Afrikaners remain in control of the economy, education, and media, with a significant presence in most learning institutions and the country's major media houses, including Media24 and MultiChoice (currently being sold to a French company). Through fake news about a genocide which does not exist, Afrikaners also enjoy the remaining ear that snipers missed off US President Donald Trump. So far, 49 people deemed failed car guards and their ilk on social media platforms have been given asylum based on a phoney war against Afrikaners. The war is in the racist minds, propagated by the likes of AfriForum, which seems emboldened after the ANC's 2024 knock at the polls, resulting in a Government of National Unity. So much for Jacob Zuma's once boastful quip that the ANC would rule until Jesus comes. Of course, there's a greater chance of the ANC being out of power before Jesus comes in the next election than the NPA's ineffective Shamilla Batohi bringing in the Guptas to account for the millions they obtained under Zuma. However, the man from Nkandla appears to have amnesia about state capture. Under the presidencies of Mandela, Mbeki, Mothlante, Zuma, and now Cyril Ramaphosa, subsequent governments have adopted a pro-poor stance while enriching themselves, the party and friends. A new black middle class has emerged under democracy, along with a black elite, some of whom are now close to the ruling party. A story circulates that the ANC, bereft of leadership and lacking ideas, wants Patrice Motsepe to bankroll the party back into power. Whether or not it's true, it's another sign of a party in decline. Since the Mandela euphoria over democracy, everything hinges on whether the country is keeping its promise of a better life for all. Another burning question is whether political greed is failing the youth? Ditto: women? Ditto: Heritage: Ditto: the Constitution? The conduct of politicians hardly inspires confidence. While South Africans remain mired in poverty, politicians in the GNU used R200 million of taxpayer money on expensive overseas travels. High-flier Deputy President Paul Mashatile alone spent more than R2 million on his travels. One wonders if he is making up for lost time, having joined the gravy train late. The government established Sector Education and Training Authorities to equip young people with the skills needed to address chronic unemployment. Unfortunately, there is no narrative about the success of SETAs. Under the former Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, SETAs were filled with boards comprising comrades from the Struggle, whose disastrous impact has hindered skills training but enriched many through unscrupulous means, without facing the consequences. Half of the country's 21 SETAs previously received adverse audits from the Auditor-General when Nzimande was in charge. Most alarming, however, is that the SETAs were meant to transform the fortunes of the country's youth. Instead, it enriched those running SETAs and their associates. His successor, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, a former deputy under Gwede Mantashe, angered political rivals when she appointed the son of her former boss as a SETA Chair before protests forced her to withdraw the decision. She claimed an advisory board helped her make the choice, but in an age of transparency, she showed none, resulting in the president putting pressure on the gum-chewing Minister to do the right thing. Politics is about serving the citizens of South Africa, not the party and friends. Politicians must put the people first. However, Nkabane undermines citizens by having a non-existent advisory board where a real board of experts could have helped ensure that South Africa's youth finally benefit from the skills revolution. Former higher education ministers had advisors whose counsel they trusted. Nkabane must secure the help of many learned people available. Otherwise, the comrades will lead her astray. Nkabane has highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment, insisting that SETAS must respond to the rapid pace of industry change. However, suppose she needed reminding of the dire need to transform the fortunes of youth. In that case, it will not come from youth pensioners such as Julius Malema, Fikile Mbalula, or the recently put to pasture Floyd Shivambu. The answer lies in the voices of young people who are fed up with political rhetoric, not just the noise from the trio of former youth league officials. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) for Q1 2025, young people aged 15 to 34, around 10,3 million individuals, face the highest barriers to entering the workforce. Over the past ten years, youth unemployment has remained persistently high. June 16 is seen as a day when the youth of 1976 stood courageously against apartheid. Their bravery pushed South Africa's journey towards democracy, and their legacy continues to inspire generations. Does it? There's apathy. There are also pointless slogans that do not bring about significant change. Youth Month's theme is ' Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation. ' However, Statistics SA's reflection that nothing much has changed for youth over the past decade concerning employment is telling. Like the youth of 1976, the generation of 2025 must reclaim the future with a youth reset, not await handouts from the fading liberators who only care about the party, themselves, and their friends. Youth must find their voice, not politicians, telling them what is good for them, while enabling the party or their friends to get rich or die trying to help South Africa's forgotten youth. * Edwin Naidu is a communications professional and the founder of Higher Education Media Services. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Israel strikes Iran: what we know
It said 200 jets were involved in the raids, striking about 100 targets. Rescue teams work outside a heavily damaged building, targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. (Photo by AFP) Israel said Friday it had carried out strikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites, promising to continue its campaign and 'achieve much more'. Blasts were reported in Tehran and at a key uranium enrichment site. Here is what we know: What was hit? Israel's military said its jets carried out strikes on 'dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran'. It said 200 jets were involved in the raids, striking about 100 targets. Blasts were reported in the capital, where state television said fire and smoke were seen at a key site for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the city's east. Damage to residential buildings and civilian deaths were also reported. State television said Natanz, in Iran's central Isfahan province and home to a key nuclear site, had been hit 'several times', showing footage of heavy smoke billowing from the site. ALSO READ: SA stands in 'solidarity' with Iran after devastating explosion [VIDEO] The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed Natanz was among the sites targeted in the attacks and said it was in touch with Iranian authorities and its inspectors in the country 'regarding radiation levels'. Additional strikes were reported against three military sites in Iran's northwest. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami and armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri in the attacks. It also reported that 50 people, including women and children, had been injured. Why now? Israel sees the cleric-run state in Tehran as an existential threat. It says it took out Iran's air defences in October last year in retaliation for a barrage of about 200 missiles from the Islamic Republic. Defence Minister Israel Katz described the Israeli action as a 'pre-emptive strike'. The army said intelligence showed Iran was approaching a 'point of no return' on its nuclear programme. The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which it has always denied. ALSO READ: South Africa responds to claims of cooperating with Iran on nuclear energy [VIDEO] Israel again called for global action after the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran on Wednesday of non-compliance with its obligations. There had been indications a military strike was likely, with US media reporting an imminent Israeli attack that would not be coordinated with Washington. 'I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen,' US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday when asked if an Israeli attack loomed. A sixth round of talks over Tehran's nuclear programme had been scheduled between the United States and Iran on Sunday in Oman. Trump said after the strikes he was 'still hoping' for talks. Israel's strike on Iran: Who was involved? Israel relies on the United States for military and diplomatic support but carried out the strikes alone, top US diplomat Marco Rubio said. 'We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,' he said in a statement warning Tehran against targeting US interests. ALSO READ: Iran geared to cement its ties with SA Rubio said Israel had 'advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence,' without offering support or criticism of the strikes. Trump meanwhile told Fox News that he had advance notice of the strikes, warning Tehran 'cannot have a nuclear bomb'. Tehran said Washington would be 'responsible for the consequences' of Israel's deadly attacks, saying they 'cannot have been carried out without the coordination and permission of the United States'. Iran: What reaction has there been? Oman, due to host nuclear talks this weekend, called the strikes a 'dangerous escalation' that threatened negotiations and regional stability. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, condemned the 'blatant Israeli aggressions'. Netanyahu said the strikes had been 'very successful… and with God's help, we will achieve much more'. Air traffic was halted at Tehran's main international airport, and neighbouring Iraq closed its airspace entirely. Israel warned Iran could retaliate at any moment, declaring a state of emergency and also shutting its airspace. ALSO READ: SA joins other countries condemning Israel's attack on Iran In Washington, the White House said Trump would convene security chiefs after the strike, which was criticised by a senior Democrat. 'Israel's alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence,' said Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the US Senate Armed Services Committee. The strikes saw oil prices surge up to 12 percent, though Iran's oil ministry said there had been 'no damage' to refineries or depots.
