Greece Implements Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Greece has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement in a video posted on TikTok, highlighting concerns over rising anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive design of social media platforms. The legislation is expected to be passed by the Greek Parliament in mid-2026, with broad public support indicated by a February poll showing approximately 80% approval for the ban.

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Mitsotakis cited several reasons for the ban, including the negative impact of prolonged screen time on children's mental health. He noted that many parents have expressed concerns about their children experiencing anxiety and sleep deprivation due to excessive social media use. The Prime Minister stated, “The science is clear: when a child spends hours in front of a screen, their mind does not rest.” He emphasized that the goal of the ban is not to distance children from technology, which can be beneficial, but to combat the "addictive design" of certain applications that exploit users' attention.

New York Times

The enforcement of the ban will require social media companies to verify the ages of their users, with penalties for non-compliance potentially reaching up to 6% of a company's global turnover under the EU's Digital Services Act. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou explained that parents will need to use a state-backed app called Kids Wallet to manage their children's access to social media. This app will allow parents to block access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for users under 15.

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Greece's initiative aligns with a growing trend among several countries, including Australia, which became the first to impose a ban on social media for users under 16 in December 2025. Other nations, such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, are also considering similar measures. Mitsotakis expressed his intention to push for a unified European framework to standardize age verification and protect minors across the EU.

Greece to ban social media for under-15s from 2027, calls on EU action By Reuters

While the ban has garnered significant support, there are concerns regarding its effectiveness. Critics argue that blanket bans may not adequately address the complexities of social media addiction and could inadvertently push children towards less regulated online spaces. Some technology companies have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing such restrictions, suggesting that children may find ways to circumvent age verification measures.

Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s from 2027 Greek City Times

As Greece prepares to implement this landmark social media ban, the move reflects a broader global conversation about the responsibilities of technology companies and the need for protective measures for young users. The success of this initiative will depend not only on legislative action but also on effective collaboration between the government, parents, and social media platforms to ensure compliance and safeguard children's mental health.

Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s from 2027 Greek City Times