Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

Greece is set to implement a new regulation that will limit access to social platforms for children under 15, joining other European nations in efforts to reduce online exposure for young users. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined the initiative, highlighting concerns over rising mental health issues and sleep disturbances linked to social media use.

The policy will take effect in January of the following year. Earlier this month, Australia became the first country globally to mandate that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat remove accounts of users under 16 or face significant penalties. France, Austria, and Spain are also advancing comparable restrictions. The UK is currently evaluating similar measures through a public consultation, while Ireland and Denmark explore their own strategies.

“Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online,” Mitsotakis stated in a TikTok video. He noted that parents have reported children struggling with sleep, experiencing anxiety, and constantly engaging with their devices.

The government emphasized that the measure aims to counteract the “addictive design” of apps and the profit-driven models that prioritize screen time over well-being. “The goal is not to cut young people off from technology, which can inspire and educate,” Mitsotakis added. “But the way some apps capture attention and erode innocence needs to be addressed.”

Further specifics about the enforcement mechanism will be announced Wednesday. Mitsotakis also plans to advocate for unified European standards, proposing age verification for all under-15s and regular age checks every six months. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he called for a pan-European framework to support national efforts in protecting minors.

The debate around youth and social media has gained momentum as evidence mounts on its impact. March saw a landmark US case where Meta and YouTube were held accountable for a woman’s childhood addiction to platforms. Jurors concluded the companies intentionally designed addictive systems that harmed her mental health. Meta and Google have since appealed the decision, arguing that teen mental health is multifaceted and not solely tied to a single app.