France to ⁣Ban Social Media and Knife​ Sales to Minors‌ After Stabbing

​ Updated june 11, 2025

In response to the tragic ‌stabbing of a teaching assistant, France is set ⁢to implement strict new regulations targeting young people’s access to social media and knives. President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to ⁢ban social⁣ media for children ⁢under 15, emphasizing ‌the need for platforms to verify users’⁢ ages. Simultaneously, the⁤ government will prohibit the sale of knives ⁢to minors in an effort to‌ curb ‌knife crime among children.

the‌ move comes after a 31-year-old teaching assistant, Melanie, was fatally stabbed by ‌a 14-year-old student during ​a bag‍ search at a school in​ Nogent, eastern France. The incident has ​sparked national outrage and prompted swift action from authorities. flowers and messages of support have‌ been placed outside the school, with ‌locals ⁣expressing thier grief and shock.

French gendarmes outside school after stabbing
French gendarmes control access to a secondary⁣ school after a fatal stabbing in Nogent, ⁤France. (Photo: AFP)

Laurence ‍Raclot, a ⁣friend of the victim, described Melanie as​ “great with kids” and ‌expressed disbelief ‍that such a tragedy could occur in their quiet town. Sabrina ‌Renault, another ⁤local,​ lamented the loss for Melanie’s family, particularly her young son.

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s office confirmed that the ban on knife sales to minors would‍ be enacted within two weeks, covering any knife deemed a potential weapon. bayrou also stressed the importance of parental and‍ educator vigilance in identifying teenagers who may be struggling, while⁤ acknowledging a ⁣shortage of mental health⁤ resources.

“I am ⁤proposing banning social ​media for children under 15. Platforms have the ability​ to verify age. Let’s‌ do it,” ⁢president Emmanuel Macron said.

Education Minister Elisabeth⁤ Borne called for a minute of ⁣silence in all French schools to honor the‌ slain‍ teaching assistant. She expressed openness to ‌various measures to⁤ enhance safety but​ cautioned that ceramic blades would⁤ be undetectable by metal detectors. Borne also highlighted the need ⁤to ​protect young people from excessive screen time.

What’s next

The ⁤french government ⁣will now work to implement these measures, addressing concerns raised by trade unions ‌regarding enforcement and the evolving roles of teaching assistants. the focus remains on preventing future tragedies and ensuring ⁣the ​safety and well-being ‌of students and staff in⁤ French schools. The ban on ​social media and restrictions on knife sales represent a notable⁤ step in addressing youth violence and promoting a safer⁤ habitat.