French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a European Union-wide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, following a fatal stabbing at a middle school in eastern France that has once again shocked the nation.

Speaking in a televised interview on France 2 late Tuesday, Macron said he hoped the EU would take swift action in the coming months. “If that does not work, we will start to do it in France. We cannot wait,” he said.

His comments came just hours after a 14-year-old student was taken into police custody in connection with the stabbing of a 31-year-old school aide during a bag check for weapons at a middle school in Nogent, Haute-Marne.

Prime Minister François Bayrou addressed parliament, stressing that such acts of violence are no longer isolated. Macron attributed part of the growing violence among youth to the influence of social media, calling it a contributing factor.

Taking to the social media platform X after the interview, Macron reiterated his stance, citing expert support for tighter regulations. “Platforms have the ability to verify age. Do it,” he wrote.

The push for stricter digital safeguards for minors follows a global trend, as countries grapple with the impact of online content on children. In 2023, Australia enacted one of the world’s toughest restrictions, banning social media use for those under 16 after a highly charged national debate.

Although most platforms set a minimum age of 13, enforcement is lax. A report by Australia’s online safety regulator found children frequently bypass age requirements with ease.

Macron’s proposal aims to put the EU at the forefront of regulating Big Tech, as concerns grow over the role of digital platforms in shaping youth behavior and contributing to real-world violence.