France’s President Emmanuel Macron intends to ban the use of social media for children under 15 years old, with plans to restrict mobile phone use in high schools starting September 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing the growing concerns of online harm to children. According to media reports, Macron has linked social media to rising violence among young people and wants France to follow Australia’s lead, where a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, for children under 16 was implemented last December. Australia has become the first country worldwide to impose a social media ban on minors.
The French government is expected to introduce a draft law in early January, pending a legal review. Macron reiterated his commitment to protecting his children and young people from the negative effects of social media and screens in his New Year’s address. France has had a mobile phone ban in primary and middle schools since 2018, and the proposed changes would extend this restriction to high schools. In the French education system, students between 11 and 15 years old attend middle school. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concerns over Israel’s decision.
In other news, the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that the armed forces have been withdrawn from Gaza after operations against militants. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has expressed willingness to facilitate negotiations between the US and North Korea. Dubai’s real estate market saw a record number of transactions in 2025, with a 30.6% increase in real estate loans compared to 2024. Another driver was charged for street racing in Dubai, with their car confiscated and a fine of 10,000 dirhams imposed. The Dubai Police have seized one million fake degrees from 22 universities in Kerala, India. Foreign ministers of Muslim countries have issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of basic infrastructure and hospitals in Gaza and the opening of the Rafah crossing. A video of a bodybuilding class for men at the Ottoman Mosque in Bradford, UK, has gone viral on social media, with over two million views on TikTok and Facebook. The Canadian Transportation Regulatory Agency has requested an investigation from India regarding an Air India pilot who consumed alcohol on duty. A humanitarian aid package provided by Saudi Crown Prince Salman was partially seized by the Taliban in Qandahar, Afghanistan. A US billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed his support for the Republican Party before the 2026 midterm elections. Protests have been ongoing in Iran for five days against inflation and a rapid decline in the value of the currency, escalating into violent clashes. The UK’s Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings for potential snowfall. Flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people and injured 11 others. China’s Ministry of Defense has stated that recent military exercises near Taiwan demonstrated China’s military strength. The Foreign Minister has emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issues.
