Greece announces social media ban for children under 15

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that Greece will prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms starting 1 January 2027.

The decision addresses escalating concerns regarding online platforms contributing to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and addictive behaviours among young users.

In a video message directed at children, the Prime Minister explained that excessive screen time prevents mental rest and fosters stress through social comparisons and digital commentary.

“Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative,” he said. “I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.”

The government intends to enforce the ban via a mandatory application on all devices, which will block access to sites such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

This technology is already utilised in Greece to prevent minors from purchasing age-restricted products like cigarettes and alcohol.

Public sentiment appears largely favourable, with polls indicating 80 per cent of voters support the measure. One mother remarked, "Ban them; shut them down. We parents, need help."

However, younger users expressed more complicated views. Katerina, 14, noted, “It is the way we learnt since we were born… I can control it, but then again, I usually get carried away.”

Mitsotakis has formally proposed a coordinated EU "digital age of majority" to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This initiative follows his previous education reforms and ongoing efforts to modernise Greek digital infrastructure by the end of 2026.