Greece to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15 Starting in 2027

In a significant move aimed at protecting the mental health of young people, Greece will introduce a ban on the use of social media for children under 15 years old beginning in 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement during a video address directed at the youth, which was subsequently shared across various media platforms. According to Mitsotakis, children who spend excessive time in front of screens not only fail to give their minds a necessary rest but also face constant pressure from online comparisons and comments.

The Prime Minister highlighted that he has engaged in discussions with numerous parents who have expressed deep concerns regarding the well-being of their children. Many parents reported that their children are experiencing poor sleep, increased anxiety, and are spending an inordinate amount of time on their phones. This feedback has underscored the urgent need for measures to protect the youth from the adverse effects of social media.

Recent survey results from ALCO, conducted in February, reveal that approximately 80% of Greeks support the initiative to impose a ban on social media for younger users. The Greek government has already taken steps to limit mobile phone usage in schools and has established parental control platforms that allow parents to restrict the amount of time teenagers spend on their screens.

Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece will be one of the first countries to implement such an initiative, but he is confident that it will not be the last. He expressed hope that this initiative will encourage the European Union to adopt similar measures across member states.

In a separate letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mitsotakis called for coordinated action at the EU level. He argued that national measures alone are insufficient to safeguard minors from internet addiction. The Prime Minister proposed the establishment of a 'digital age of majority' at 15 years across the EU, which would require all platforms to conduct age verification and regular re-verification, as well as create a unified system for monitoring compliance with the rules and enforcing sanctions. He urged the European Union to implement a cohesive system by the end of 2026.

It is noteworthy that in December 2022, Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media usage for children under 16 years, blocking access to platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Other countries are also tightening regulations regarding social media. The United Kingdom, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Denmark, and Poland are either considering bans or are already working on legislative measures to enforce such restrictions.

Additionally, it is important to mention that in Finland, a significant majority of citizens, specifically 62%, support a ban on social media for children under 15 years. This trend reflects a growing societal concern regarding the impact of social media on youth.

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