The French National Assembly has launched a national survey to examine the mental health effects of TikTok, particularly on young users. The online consultation, which began on Wednesday, will run until May 31. Its goal is to gather insights from both adults and minors, directly or through parents, regarding their experiences with social media—focusing primarily on TikTok.
The survey, which includes questions like, “Do you find it difficult to stop using TikTok?” and “Is content on social media platforms properly moderated?”, is a crucial part of an investigation by a parliamentary commission into the platform’s impact. The results of this survey are expected to influence the commission’s findings, which aim to assess the risks and benefits of TikTok use, especially among younger audiences.
Parliamentary Commission Investigates TikTok’s Influence
The parliamentary commission, which was established in March, is led by MP Laure Miller of the Renaissance party. In a statement, Miller called the survey “a unique opportunity” to better understand the platform’s impact on youth.
So far, the commission has held hearings with a variety of stakeholders, including experts, journalists, youth organizations, government officials, and even TikTok influencers. Representatives from TikTok are scheduled to testify before the commission next month. The final report, which will summarize the findings and make recommendations, is expected to be published by September.
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese technology company Bytedance, has gained immense popularity among French youth. Research indicates that nearly 40% of users aged 11 to 17 in France access the platform daily, raising concerns about its potential psychological effects.
Growing Legal Pressure Over Content and Mental Health Risks
Parallel to the parliamentary investigation, TikTok is facing increasing legal challenges in France. In November 2024, a group of seven families filed a lawsuit against the platform, accusing it of promoting harmful and addictive content. These families argue that weak content moderation practices have endangered children’s mental health. The lawsuit mentions two cases of suicide allegedly linked to content on the platform.
The legal battle has gained momentum, with four additional families joining the lawsuit. This growing pressure highlights widespread concerns about TikTok’s influence on minors. It also adds to the calls for more stringent regulation of social media platforms, especially regarding content moderation and the safeguarding of young users.
Questions About Content Moderation and TikTok’s Role
While the legal and parliamentary investigations continue, experts are questioning TikTok’s content moderation practices. Critics argue that the platform’s algorithm, which promotes viral videos, can expose vulnerable users to harmful or inappropriate content. Many have expressed concern that TikTok’s addictive features, combined with insufficient moderation, can exacerbate mental health issues among young people.
MP Laure Miller emphasized the importance of ensuring that TikTok is held accountable for any potential risks posed to youth mental health. “The findings from this survey will help us understand how TikTok influences young users and what measures need to be taken to protect them,” she said.
The investigation comes at a time when lawmakers across Europe are calling for greater oversight of social media platforms. In France, this issue has become particularly urgent, as more young people engage with platforms like TikTok, often without adequate guidance from parents or guardians.
The Future of Social Media Regulations in France
As the French government continues to scrutinize TikTok, the results of this investigation could pave the way for future regulations on social media platforms. The ongoing discussions around TikTok’s impact may serve as a precedent for other European countries grappling with similar concerns regarding online platforms and youth well-being.
With legal actions and parliamentary investigations underway, the pressure is mounting on TikTok to address the concerns raised by both parents and lawmakers. The outcome of these inquiries may determine how social media platforms operate in the future and whether stricter regulations will be implemented to protect minors.