Even 'Human Rights Haven' France Wavers... High-Speed Train 'No Kids Zone' Sparks Controversy

"No Kids Zone" Introduced on Paris-Lyon TGV
Civil Society Criticizes Amid Falling Birth Rate

Even in France, where strict discipline for children and public etiquette have long been emphasized, controversy over 'No Kids Zones' has erupted. When the state-owned railway company introduced child-restricted areas on high-speed trains under the banner of providing a 'quiet and comfortable space,' both political circles and civil society voiced strong opposition and concern.

According to foreign media reports on February 2, the British daily The Telegraph reported on February 1 (local time) that the French National Railway Company (SNCF) recently established a premium 'No Kids' zone on the Paris-Lyon high-speed train (TGV) route, restricting access for children under the age of 12.

Even in France, where strict discipline for children and public place etiquette have been emphasized, controversy over 'No Kids Zone' has erupted.

SNCF explained that these seats are primarily targeted at corporate customers and offer fixed fares, flexible ticket time changes, access to exclusive lounges, meal service, and a quiet environment on board. Notably, the company stated, "To ensure the utmost comfort in this dedicated space, children are not permitted."

Once this policy became public, criticism spread throughout French society over whether it is appropriate to exclude children from public transportation. Stephanie Descl?ves, founder of the podcast "Adults of Tomorrow," criticized the move, saying, "(The introduction of No Kids Zones) crosses a red line," and added, "France's leading public transportation company is succumbing to the 'No Kids trend.'"

Concerns were raised across the political spectrum as well. Fran?ois Ruffin, a left-wing lawmaker, remarked, "A society that prefers spaces without children over spaces without screens (phones) is a sick society." Marion Mar?chal, a far-right lawmaker, also condemned the move, calling it "a pathetic message at a time when the country desperately needs children."

This controversy has drawn further attention as it coincides with France's ongoing population decline. According to The Telegraph, for the first time since the end of World War II in 1945, the number of deaths in France exceeded the number of births in 2025.

No Kids Zone Image (This photo is not directly related to the article). Getty Images Bank

Constance de Felice, chair of the National Assembly's Fertility Survey Committee, said, "How can we encourage childbirth when we make parents feel that children are a nuisance?" She has submitted a bill to ban the exclusion of children from public services and spaces. She also expressed concern that 'extreme individualism,' which is increasingly intolerant of other people's children, is spreading throughout society. However, psychologist Caroline Goldman told The Telegraph that the proliferation of 'No Kids Zones' in hotels, restaurants, and travel products is the result of 'educational neglect.' She interpreted the current controversy as a social reaction to the lack of discipline, which has made children 'unbearable' for others.

As the controversy grew, SNCF deleted the language emphasizing child restrictions, calling it "clumsy marketing." However, the company maintained that premium seats account for only about 8% of all weekday seats and that the product was introduced in response to customer demand.

Meanwhile, as of 2024, services in France that are exclusively for adults account for about 3%, which is not a significant proportion. However, as No Kids Zones have continued to increase in recent years, the possibility of regulatory measures is being discussed, and the issue is emerging as a social problem.