French President Emmanuel Macron has called for stricter controls on internet access for young people in Europe, especially those under the age of 15. Macron believes that parental controls are essential to protect children from online threats such as cyberbullying, pornography, and child sexual abuse. In a speech at Sorbonne University in Paris, Macron compared exposing children to the internet to sending them into a dangerous jungle without protection.
Macron highlighted the lack of regulation and moderation in online spaces and warned of the dangers posed to children. He called for tighter control of online content, stating that there is a need to “take back control of our children’s lives.” The government in France, along with other European countries, is exploring measures to restrict access to online services for children under 13.
The World Health Organization’s study in 2022 revealed that one in six schoolchildren between the ages of eleven and 15 had experienced online bullying, leading to physical and mental health issues such as headaches, stomach aches, and depression. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing safeguards to protect young people online.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the radicalization of young Muslims through online platforms like TikTok. This has been highlighted by Brandenburg’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Macron stressed the importance of addressing these online threats, calling it a “civilizational battle” that must be fought in Europe. The push for tighter control of online content reflects a broader effort to safeguard the well-being and safety of young people in the digital age.
In conclusion, Emmanuel Macron believes that young people should not have unrestricted access to the internet until they are at least 15 years old. He emphasized parental controls to protect children from online threats such as cyberbullying, pornography, and child sexual abuse. The French president’s call for stricter control reflects an ongoing concern among European governments about safeguarding young people’s well-being and safety in an increasingly digital world.
