Greece to Implement Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 from 2027

The Greek government has announced plans to enforce a comprehensive ban on social media usage for children under the age of 15, starting from January 2027. The initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis via a video message on social media, aims to enhance the protection of minors from the potential risks and negative effects associated with digital platforms.

Under the proposed legislation, all individuals under 15 will be prohibited from creating or using accounts on social media platforms. The government has justified this move by citing growing concerns over the psychological and emotional impacts of social media on young users. Authorities argue that children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to negative influences, such as cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content, which are prevalent on many digital platforms.

Greek officials have highlighted that the design of social media platforms often encourages addictive behaviors. Features such as endless scrolling, notifications, and algorithm-driven content feeds are said to increase the time users, especially minors, spend online, making them more vulnerable to harmful content and social pressures. The government maintains that these digital environments can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and negative self-perception among young people.

In addition to the national legislation, the Greek Prime Minister has reached out to the European Union, calling for a coordinated response across member states. In a formal communication to the President of the European Commission, Mitsotakis urged the establishment of a unified European framework to address the challenges posed by social media usage among minors. The Greek government asserts that national regulations alone are insufficient to tackle the cross-border nature of digital platforms and advocates for EU-wide action to provide consistent protections for all European children.

The announcement has sparked a broad debate within Greece and across the European Union. While some critics argue that a complete ban could be difficult to enforce and might face resistance from families and young users, supporters believe that stricter regulations are necessary to safeguard the well-being of minors. The government has acknowledged that the move may be unpopular among younger citizens but insists that the measure is intended to prioritize their health and development.

The proposed law is part of a wider trend in Europe and beyond, where policymakers are increasingly scrutinizing the influence of social media on young people. Several countries have already introduced or are considering regulations to limit or monitor minors' online activities. For example, some states are debating raising the minimum age for social media access, while others are implementing enhanced verification processes or requiring parental consent for users under a certain age.

Experts in child psychology and digital safety have weighed in on the Greek initiative, noting that while technological solutions can help, effective enforcement will require cooperation from social media companies, parents, and educational institutions. They emphasize the importance of digital literacy programs and parental guidance in helping children navigate online platforms responsibly.

Greek authorities are expected to provide further details on the enforcement mechanisms for the planned ban, including potential penalties for non-compliance and the role of social media companies in verifying users' ages. The government also aims to work closely with schools and parents to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations and to raise awareness about the risks involved in early exposure to social media.

With its new policy, Greece joins a growing list of countries seeking to redefine the boundaries of digital engagement for minors. The outcome of this legislative effort, and whether it prompts similar action at the European level, will be closely watched by policymakers, educators, and families across the continent.