The government of Greece announced on Wednesday a sweeping ban on social media access for minors under fifteen years of age.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the measure as a “digital cut-off,” aimed at mitigating the psychological impacts of excessive screen time, including anxiety, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of constant online comparison.
He also pointed to broader concerns about social media pressure, such as comparing oneself to others, online criticism, and the psychological strain of maintaining a constant digital presence. “The science is clear,” he noted, arguing that prolonged screen time prevents children’s minds from resting properly.
Addressing the children, Mitsotakis stated: “I am certain that many of the younger ones among you will be angry with me; had I been your age, I might have felt the same way. However, our role is not to be pleasant.
@kyriakosmitsotakis_ Αποφασίσαμε να προχωρήσουμε σε κάτι δύσκολο αλλά απαραίτητο: να απαγορεύσουμε την πρόσβαση στα social media σε παιδιά κάτω των 15 ετών.
Social media ban in Greece to take effect in January 2027
The regulation, which follows extensive consultations with families, is slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, with the legal framework arriving in mid-2026. Under the new policy, minors will be prohibited from maintaining social media accounts, regardless of parental consent. Enforcement will rely on a state-mandated application installed on all personal devices.
Beyond social media, the initiative extends to protecting minors from other online harms, including gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and explicit material. Athens hopes this strategy will serve as a blueprint for similar protective measures across the European Union.
Social media ban for minors in Australia
The move comes amid a broader international debate on the impact of social media on children and teenagers.
Australia became the first country to introduce a ban on social media access for users under sixteen. Under the new policy, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube must block users under the age of sixteen. Authorities estimate that over one million accounts will be affected.
Related: Social Media Overtakes TV as Main Source of Information in Greece
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