During the AI Impact Summit 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the implementation of social media bans for children under the age of 15. This proposal emerges as several countries, including France and Spain, initiate steps toward similar prohibitions to safeguard children's online experiences. Macron emphasized that France is on the verge of enacting such a law, and he advocates for collective efforts to strengthen digital safety among children, suggesting that India could play a significant role in this exchange.

In India, there has been an ongoing discussion among parents regarding the need to protect children from potential online dangers posed by social media. While there hasn't been a collective demand for a formal ban on social media for minors, the call for enhanced regulations reflects a strong concern for children's mental health and overall safety in the digital sphere. The awareness surrounding AI misuse and its potential impact on young lives adds urgency to this discussion, as parents continue to navigate the complexities of raising children in an increasingly digital-first world.

The proposal raises critical questions about the feasibility and implications of such a ban in a diverse and youth-centric nation like India. Advocates for the ban argue that it could provide vital protection against online threats and contribute to healthier mental well-being for youth. Nonetheless, analysts point out the importance of considering how such regulations could be effectively enforced while balancing children's rights to access information and communicate online. The outcome of this discussion will likely have substantial implications for the future of children's online engagement in India, making it a pivotal issue worthy of attention.