August 24, 2026

FWCF urges health ministry to ensure any social media restriction for children under 16 upholds their rights

The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) is urging the Ministry of Health and Wellness to ensure that any social media restriction for children under 16 upholds their rights.

FWCF’s latest appeal follows the recent decision of France’s Constitutional Council to strike down legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media.

FWCF in welcoming that decision notes that the council found that the proposed measure disproportionately infringed upon fundamental freedoms.

The Health Ministry is developing a comprehensive national policy framework to regulate and address minors’ use of social media.

Last Month, it released the results of the national survey on social media use and the protection of children.

FWCF is cautioning against adopting blanket age restrictions as a substitute for meaningful platform accountability.

The right group says children should not bear the burden of fixing problems created by platforms designed and operated by adults.

It notes that children have rights to privacy, participation, communication, information and expression in the digital environment and these rights must be considered alongside the legitimate need to protect children from online harms.

According to FWCF true online safety requires governments to place greater responsibility on social media companies to design and implement effective child safety measures, address harmful and addictive design features, strengthen age-appropriate protections, improve reporting and moderation systems, and face meaningful penalties where they fail to protect children.

It says policymakers should consider measures that regulate the platforms, strengthen corporate accountability and empower children and families to navigate the digital environment safely.