Greece will prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media starting 1 January 2027, in a landmark move aimed at addressing growing concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young users.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the decision on Wednesday (Apr 8), describing it as a “difficult but necessary” step to protect minors from the potential harms of excessive online exposure. The announcement was made through a video posted on TikTok, where he directly addressed younger audiences.
He acknowledged that the policy may not be well received by teenagers, but stressed that the intention was not to restrict access to technology altogether. Instead, he said the measure was designed to curb addiction to certain applications that could affect children’s well-being, independence and development.
Mitsotakis also highlighted scientific concerns, stating that prolonged screen time can affect children’s cognitive and emotional health. He added that the policy reflects a broader effort to safeguard young people from the risks associated with constant digital engagement.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Greek leader urged the European Union to establish a unified digital age of majority set at 15 by the end of 2026. He also proposed strict age verification measures to ensure compliance and prevent users from bypassing restrictions.
Under the new framework, platforms will be required to verify users’ ages more rigorously. Greek officials said the policy would initially target social media services featuring “endless scrolling” content, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
However, messaging and video-sharing platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber and YouTube will not be affected by the ban. Authorities also noted that the list of restricted platforms may be updated over time as digital services evolve.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said the aim is not to place responsibility on children, but rather to push technology companies to strengthen their safety systems and enforcement mechanisms. He added that the measure focuses on reducing exposure to addictive platform designs.
The move places Greece among a growing number of countries tightening rules on children’s access to social media. Australia has already introduced restrictions for under-16 users, while Indonesia has begun enforcing similar measures and Austria is preparing legislation for minors up to 14.
Other European nations, including Spain and Denmark, are also considering introducing a digital age of majority as concerns increase globally over the effects of social media on teenagers.
