Richard Parks The French National Assembly has launched a nationwide online survey to assess TikTok’s impact on the mental well-being of young users. Open until May 31, the survey invites both adults and minors (via parents) to share their opinions on the platform’s influence, content moderation, and addiction risks. This consultation is part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into TikTok’s effects on society, with the commission aiming to publish its findings by September.
Survey Focuses on TikTok’s Influence and Content Moderation
The French National Assembly’s survey targets two key areas: the mental health impact of TikTok on younger users and the platform’s approach to content moderation. Questions in the survey include “Do you find it difficult not to use TikTok?” and “How well do major platforms moderate content?” The goal is to gather public opinions to support the ongoing investigation by the parliamentary commission.
Laure Miller, an MP from the Renaissance party and the rapporteur for the inquiry, emphasized the survey’s importance as a “unique opportunity” for citizens to contribute to shaping the investigation. This initiative seeks to collect firsthand insights from the public to inform a broader understanding of TikTok’s role in society and its effects on young people’s mental health.
Parliamentary Commission’s Broader Inquiry
The commission, which began its work in March 2025, is focusing on a range of issues concerning TikTok, including its user base, the platform’s influence on youth, and its content moderation practices. The parliamentary commission has already interviewed researchers, journalists, youth organizations, government officials, and influencers on TikTok. TikTok representatives are set to testify before the committee next month, adding further insight into the company’s practices.
The investigation is part of a growing concern about the platform’s effect on minors, especially in terms of addiction, exposure to harmful content, and potential psychological harm. The results of this inquiry will likely inform future regulatory measures in France, including potential legal actions or changes in how social media platforms operate in the country.
Public Concerns and Legal Action
The consultation is timely, coming amid increasing public concern about harmful content on TikTok. In November 2024, seven French families filed lawsuits against the platform, citing concerns over addictive features, inadequate content moderation, and alleged harm to the mental health of minors. Some of these cases involve tragic incidents, including two suicides attributed to the platform’s influence.
In response to these growing concerns, four additional families joined the lawsuit last month, further intensifying pressure on TikTok. The ongoing inquiry is expected to play a significant role in shaping how the French government addresses these issues, especially as public scrutiny of TikTok’s operations continues to rise.
TikTok’s Role in Addressing Mental Health Risks
TikTok, which has become one of the most popular social media platforms globally, has faced increasing scrutiny in several countries over concerns related to mental health, addiction, and harmful content. In response to these concerns, TikTok has implemented various measures, such as limiting screen time for younger users and enhancing content moderation. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that more needs to be done to protect minors from potentially harmful influences on the platform.
As the French National Assembly’s commission works towards its final report, it is expected that TikTok’s role in managing these issues will be closely examined. The results of the parliamentary investigation may lead to new regulations or a shift in how platforms like TikTok are held accountable for the content they host and the impact they have on users’ well-being.
Legal and Regulatory Landscape in France
The ongoing legal actions against TikTok in France highlight the growing concern about the platform’s influence on young people. With families filing lawsuits and the French National Assembly launching an inquiry, the issue is expected to become a major point of discussion in French politics and law.
As the investigation progresses, lawmakers are considering how best to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable users, especially minors, from harm. The outcome of the commission’s report could set a precedent for how social media platforms are regulated in France, influencing not only TikTok but also other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
The French National Assembly’s inquiry into TikTok represents an important step towards addressing the mental health risks posed by social media platforms, particularly for younger audiences. As the consultation continues and the commission gathers further evidence, it remains to be seen how these findings will shape future regulations and whether they will result in more stringent oversight of social media platforms in France.