The government of Greece has announced plans to prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms starting January 1, 2027, in what officials describe as a bold step to protect young users from digital harm.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis disclosed the decision in a video message shared on TikTok, saying the policy, though difficult, is necessary to safeguard children’s mental health and development.
According to him, the move is not intended to disconnect young people from technology but to address what he described as growing concerns over addiction to certain applications that could negatively impact their well-being.
“I know some of you will be upset,” Mitsotakis said, addressing younger audiences directly. “Our aim is not to keep you away from technology, but to combat harmful overuse and protect your freedom and innocence.”
He also cited scientific findings suggesting that excessive screen time can interfere with children’s cognitive development and rest patterns, reinforcing the need for stricter digital regulations.
Greece’s decision places it among a growing number of countries tightening rules around youth access to social media.
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In Australia, authorities introduced similar measures in December, requiring platforms such as YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 or face significant penalties.
Likewise, Indonesia began enforcing restrictions for users under 16 earlier this year, even issuing compliance notices to tech giants like Google and Meta.
Across Europe, similar discussions are gaining traction. Austria has announced plans to introduce a ban for children up to 14, while Spain and Denmark are considering legislation to establish a digital age of consent for social media use.
Mitsotakis indicated that Greece would push for broader adoption of such measures within the European Union, signalling a potential shift toward continent-wide regulation.
As debates continue globally, the move highlights increasing concern among governments about the impact of social media on younger populations, particularly around issues of mental health, online safety, and digital dependency.