France Concerned about TikTok Psychological Effects on Minors

In a response to growing concerns about the psychological effects of TikTok on children and teenagers, the French National Assembly is anticipated to approve the formation of a parliamentary inquiry. The app, well-known for its contentious algorithm, has gained significant traction among young users in France, prompting serious questions about the content they are consuming.

Are minors being exposed to videos that endorse suicide?

Is the platform encouraging self-harm and destructive behaviours?

Does it amplify hypersexualised material that distorts young people’s perceptions of their bodies and contributes to eating disorders?

These urgent matters will be central to the inquiry as Members of Parliament investigate, led by Macronist deputy Laure Miller, whose cross-party resolution is expected to receive strong backing in the Assembly.

With an unanimous vote in the Social Affairs Committee setting the stage for this inquiry, approval from the Assembly appears highly likely.

Once officially established, a committee of thirty MPs will embark on a six-month investigation, examining not only TikTok’s algorithm—often characterised in studies as trapping users in “filter bubbles”—but also the wider psychological ramifications of the app on young individuals.

A global study by Qustodio in 2022 found that minors spend an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes per day on TikTok.

More concerning is the statistic that, despite the platform’s official age limit preventing users under 13 from signing up, nearly 50% of children aged 11 to 12 have registered accounts, as reported by Arcom and referenced by Ms Miller.

The inquiry will particularly focus on the app’s impact on suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

In a timely move in response to these issues, TikTok recently introduced a new feature designed to enable parents to limit their teenagers’ screen time on the app across France and the European Union.

Regarding the upcoming inquiry, TikTok has expressed that it is awaiting clarification on the specific topics to be explored.

Nonetheless, the platform has asserted that the challenges being addressed are not unique to TikTok.

The company has highlighted its dedication to safety, noting that it employs over 500 moderators who speak French and more than 6,000 staff across various European languages—more than all other platforms combined, as claimed by their spokesperson.

Ms Miller emphasised that the committee must scrutinise the specific measures that TikTok has put in place, ensuring they are not merely “hollow commitments” lacking real effectiveness.

The outcome of this investigation could play a crucial role in shaping the future of social media engagement for the youth of France.

© Agence France-Presse

• Source: Defi Media