The Greek government has announced plans to ban access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15 beginning January 1, 2027, as part of efforts to address growing concerns over mental health and online safety.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis disclosed the decision in a video message on Wednesday, citing rising cases of anxiety, sleep disorders and the addictive nature of digital platforms among young users.
Mitsotakis said excessive screen time is preventing children from resting mentally, while constant exposure to online comparisons and comments is increasing psychological pressure. He noted that many parents have reported sleep disruption and heightened anxiety among their children due to prolonged smartphone use.
Public support for the measure appears strong. An opinion poll conducted by ALCO in February showed that about 80 per cent of respondents backed the proposed restriction.
The government has already implemented related measures, including banning mobile phones in schools and introducing parental control systems to regulate teenagers’ screen time.
Mitsotakis said Greece aims to lead globally on the issue and is pushing for broader adoption within the European Union. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he called for coordinated EU-wide action, proposing a “digital age of majority” at 15, mandatory age verification systems and a unified enforcement framework by the end of 2026.
The move follows similar global trends. Australia recently became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16, affecting platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Malaysia, France, Denmark and Poland, are also considering stricter regulations.
