Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s Starting Next Year
Greece is set to introduce a new policy that limits social media access for children under 15, joining a wave of European nations implementing child-focused online restrictions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted concerns over the psychological impact of digital platforms, citing rising cases of anxiety and sleep disturbances among young users. The initiative will take effect in January, marking a significant step in regulating online engagement for minors.
Australia was the first country globally to mandate social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove accounts of users under 16 or face substantial penalties. France, Austria, and Spain have also explored similar measures, while the UK is currently evaluating a potential ban for the same age group. Ireland and Denmark are following suit with their own considerations.
Government’s Rationale and Proposed Measures
Mitsotakis emphasized that the move aims to counter the “addictive design” of social media, which he claims exploits users’ attention spans. He noted that young people often feel overwhelmed by constant comparisons and online pressure, leading to exhaustion and emotional distress. Parents have reported that their children struggle with sleep and anxiety, frequently staying connected to their phones throughout the day.
“The addictive design of certain applications, and a business model based on capturing your attention—how long you stay in front of a screen—takes away your innocence and freedom. That has to stop somewhere,” Mitsotakis stated in a video message shared on TikTok. He added that the government’s objective is not to exclude technology but to ensure it serves as a tool for inspiration rather than a source of harm.
Further details about the regulatory framework will be announced Wednesday. Mitsotakis proposed a unified EU approach, urging the European Commission to support national efforts. His plan includes mandatory age verification for under-15s, a continent-wide ban, and periodic rechecks of users’ ages every six months.
The discussion around children’s social media use has gained momentum, fueled by recent studies linking excessive screen time to mental health challenges. In March, Meta and YouTube were held accountable in a U.S. court case involving a woman’s childhood social media dependency. Jurors determined that the companies had intentionally created addictive platforms that negatively impacted her well-being. Meta and Google have since contested the ruling, planning to appeal the decision.
