France, March 14 -- French lawmakers have approved the creation of a commission of enquiry to examine the psychological effects of TikTok on children and teenagers. The video platform is particularly prized by youngsters.

The enquiry aims to determine whether the app "encourages suicidal behavior and self-harm" or if it "amplifies" the availability of hypersexualised content, which could "contribute to the development of disorders", said centrist lawmaker Laure Miller, who brought the proposal before parliament.

"TikTok has more than 15 million monthly users in France," said Miller,adding that while the social network is officially prohibited for the under-13s, many children aged 12 and younger have accounts.

She also argued that TikTo...