Greece will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting January 1, 2027, as part of a broader effort to address concerns over mental health, addiction and online safety.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the decision was driven by rising anxiety, sleep disruption and the addictive design of digital platforms targeting younger users. The move positions Greece among the first European countries to adopt such strict measures.
The ban builds on existing policies, including restrictions on mobile phone use in schools and the rollout of parental control systems. Public support appears strong, with surveys indicating around 80% approval among citizens.
Under the plan, social media companies—including Meta, TikTok and YouTube—will be required to implement age verification mechanisms. Failure to comply could result in penalties under the Digital Services Act, with fines reaching up to 6% of global turnover.
Greece’s parliament is expected to pass the necessary legislation by mid-2026. However, officials acknowledge that national enforcement alone may be insufficient without coordinated action at the European level.
Mitsotakis has called on the European Union to adopt a unified regulatory framework, proposing a bloc-wide “digital age of majority” set at 15. The proposal includes mandatory age verification, periodic re-verification, and harmonized enforcement rules across member states.
The initiative reflects a growing global trend. Australia previously introduced a similar ban for users under 16, while countries such as the UK, France and Denmark are considering comparable restrictions.
The policy highlights increasing regulatory pressure on social media platforms as governments attempt to balance digital access with youth protection in an increasingly connected environment.
