France, July 22 -- France is the first in Europe to follow Australia, where the world's first ban for under-16s on platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube came into force in December.

"France opens the way by being the first country in Europe to adopt a digital majority," said Anne Le Henanff, junior minister for AI.

After approval by the Senate earlier Tuesday, members of the National Assembly passed the bill by 279 votes to 81.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed "a major step forward" in a video posted on social media.

"France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers," he said.

Macron, who in April urged young people to switch off their phones and read in order to become b...