France, Jan. 27 -- French lawmakers have taken a decisive step towards reshaping children's digital lives, approving a bill that would ban under-15s from using social media and restrict mobile phone use in high schools.

Championed by President Emmanuel Macron, the measure is framed as a way to shield young people from excessive screen time and its potential impact on mental health.

The lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, adopted the bill by a comfortable margin of 130 votes to 21 after a lengthy overnight session running from Monday into Tuesday.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it must be approved before becoming law.

Macron welcomed the vote enthusiastically, calling it a "major step" to protect children ...