Greece Moves to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s Starting Next Year
Greece has announced plans to block children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms beginning in January next year, as part of efforts to address growing concerns around youth mental health.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the decision is driven by increasing reports of anxiety, poor sleep, and the effects of what he described as the “addictive design” of many digital platforms.
The move places Greece among a growing number of countries tightening rules around young people’s online activity. Australia recently introduced similar measures requiring platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to under-16s or face penalties. Other European nations, including France, Austria and Spain, are also exploring similar restrictions, while discussions are ongoing in United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark.
In a video shared on TikTok, Mitsotakis said many young people feel overwhelmed by constant comparisons and the pressure to stay online. He added that parents have raised concerns about their children’s sleep patterns and growing dependence on smartphones.
While acknowledging that technology can offer learning and creative opportunities, the Greek leader stressed that current platform designs often prioritise user engagement over well-being. He described the planned restriction as “difficult but necessary.”
Details on how the ban will be enforced are expected to be released soon. Greece is also pushing for a broader European response, with Mitsotakis urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to consider a unified framework. Proposed measures include mandatory age verification and periodic checks to ensure compliance.
The policy debate comes amid growing global scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users. In the United States, a recent court case found Meta and Google liable in a lawsuit involving alleged social media addiction, though both companies have said they plan to challenge the ruling.
