Pakistan, Jan. 27 -- France's National Assembly approved a bill banning children under 15 from social media on Monday. Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour. The legislation aims to protect minors from bullying and mental health risks.

The bill covers social networks and "social networking functionalities" embedded in other platforms. President Emmanuel Macron highlighted social media as a factor in youth violence. He wants the ban in place by September for the next school year.

Read more: UK, France weigh social media ban for teens

The legislation follows Australia's world-first under-16 ban on Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. Macron said the law sets "a clear boundary" and protects children's free minds. Lawmakers stressed that...