The Prime Minister of Greece has announced plans to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, aiming to address screen addiction and its effects on brain health. He is also calling on the European Union to adopt this as a uniform standard throughout the region.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced via a video on the TikTok app that Greece will officially enforce a ban on social media access for children under 15 starting 1 January 2027. The measure is intended to protect young people from online threats and health issues.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the measure as "difficult but necessary," noting that scientific data clearly show that children spending many hours daily in front of screens do not get enough brain rest. He also cited numerous complaints from parents about their children experiencing sleep problems, high anxiety levels, and pressure from comparing themselves to others online.
In a video message directed at teenagers, the Greek leader said, "I know some of you may be angry, but our goal is not to exclude you from technology, but to combat addiction to certain apps that harm your innocence and freedom." The measure has received overwhelming public approval; a February survey by ALCO showed over 80% of Greeks support the ban. Previously, the Greek government had banned mobile phones in schools and implemented parental controls to limit screen time.
This move makes Greece one of the first countries globally to seriously enforce age restrictions on social media, following countries like Australia, which became the first to pass a law banning social media use for children under 16 in December last year.
Indonesia began enforcing a ban on users under 16 in March and has sent official notices to Google and Meta regarding non-compliance. Austria plans to propose a minimum age limit of 14, while Spain, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia have expressed intentions to follow a similar path.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis concluded by stating he will bring this issue to the European Union to promote region-wide measures, believing Greece will not be the last country to take such a step in creating a safer digital environment for future generations.