ATHENS — The Greek government is poised to implement a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 15. This significant step was unveiled by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who communicated the proposal directly to the youth via a TikTok video. In his address, he criticized the “addictive design of some apps” and their “profit model that’s based on your attention,” asserting that these factors undermine the innocence and freedom of young users.
In the proposed legislation, children under 15 will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms. The responsibility will fall on parents or guardians, who must install an application to enforce this restriction across all devices, irrespective of their personal views on the reform. This measure is set to be discussed in parliament during the summer and is anticipated to take effect from January 1, 2027.
Protecting mental health
Mitsotakis acknowledged that while the restrictions may appear unfair, they are essential for safeguarding the mental health of children. He emphasized the need for broader action, stating that national initiatives alone would be insufficient. In a correspondence with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he advocated for coordinated efforts at the European level.
“European framework must be in place by the end of 2026 in order to complement and strengthen necessary national initiatives for the protection of minors,” the Greek leader wrote.
Calls for European collaboration
In his letter, Mitsotakis detailed several proposals for collective European action, including an EU-wide age-verification pilot program, the establishment of a European “Digital Age of Majority” at 15, and a requirement for platforms to verify users’ ages every two years to ensure ongoing compliance. Additionally, he suggested creating an effective EU-level coordination and enforcement mechanism.
Australia has already taken steps in this direction, becoming the first nation to ban under-16s from social media use and calling for international support to reform regulations governing children’s access to these platforms. Meanwhile, various European nations are considering similar measures. France’s national parliament is currently reviewing a ban for children under 15, while the German government has expressed interest in implementing comparable legislation. Denmark is working on regulations that could be enacted as soon as this year, and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans for a ban in February.
The European Parliament has also urged the European Commission to propose a continent-wide ban, though some critics raise concerns regarding potential implications for children’s human rights.