Greece is set to introduce restrictions on social media use for children under 15, joining a growing list of countries moving to curb young users’ exposure to online platforms. The measure, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is scheduled to take effect from January next year. The decision comes amid mounting concern over the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing. Mitsotakis pointed to rising levels of anxiety, disrupted sleep, and what he described as the “addictive design” of many platforms as key drivers behind the move.
In a video message shared online, he reflected on conversations with both teenagers and parents. Many young users, he said, feel overwhelmed by constant comparisons, comments, and the pressure to remain continuously active online. Parents, meanwhile, have reported noticeable changes in their children’s sleep patterns and mental health. The proposed restriction is not intended to distance young people from technology altogether. Mitsotakis acknowledged that digital platforms can offer creativity, learning, and inspiration. However, he stressed that business models built around maximising screen time often come at a cost, particularly for younger users.
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Greece’s move follows similar steps taken elsewhere. In December, Australia became the first nation to require platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 or face significant penalties. Other European countries, including France, Austria, and Spain, are also exploring comparable measures.
In the United Kingdom, the government has opened consultations on a potential ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are weighing their options.
Not everyone is convinced. Social media companies argue that blanket bans may prove difficult to enforce and could inadvertently isolate vulnerable teenagers who rely on digital communities for support. Some have also raised concerns about privacy and the practicality of large-scale age verification. In Australia, Reddit has already challenged the law in court.
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Greece is also looking beyond national action. Mitsotakis has written to Ursula von der Leyen, urging the development of a coordinated European framework. His proposals include mandatory age verification for under-15s, periodic re-verification of users’ ages, and a unified EU-wide policy to strengthen protections for minors. The broader debate around children and social media has gained urgency in recent months, as research continues to highlight potential links between excessive screen use and mental health challenges. Greece’s decision adds momentum to a conversation that is increasingly shaping digital policy across Europe.
