Greece has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, becoming the latest European nation to introduce stricter controls on young people’s online activity.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move is aimed at addressing rising levels of anxiety, sleep disruption and the “addictive design” of social media platforms. The restriction is set to come into force from January next year.
The announcement follows similar action globally. Australia recently became the first nation to require platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts held by under-16s or face heavy fines. Meanwhile, France, Austria and Spain are pursuing similar restrictions, while the UK, Ireland and Denmark are exploring comparable measures.
Social media companies have pushed back, arguing that blanket bans may be difficult to enforce, could prove ineffective and might isolate vulnerable teenagers. Reddit is already challenging Australia’s law in court.
In a video message shared on TikTok, Mitsotakis said many young people feel overwhelmed by constant comparisons, online comments and pressure to stay connected. He added that while technology can inspire creativity and learning, business models built around maximising screen time can harm wellbeing.
Greece is also calling for broader European action. In a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, Mitsotakis proposed a coordinated EU framework that would include mandatory age verification, a bloc-wide ban for under-15s and periodic re-checking of users’ ages every six months.
