Greece has announced a groundbreaking policy to prohibit social media access for children under 15 starting January 2025, positioning itself as the latest European nation to implement stringent digital age restrictions.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed the initiative on Wednesday, citing escalating concerns about youth mental health, sleep deprivation, and the intentionally addictive nature of social media platforms. In a video statement, Mitsotakis explained the government's rationale:
"Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online. We have spoken with parents whose children are not sleeping, are anxious, and are constantly on their devices. This is a difficult but necessary step."
The Prime Minister emphasized that the goal is not to isolate young people from technology, which he acknowledged can be "a source of inspiration, knowledge and creativity." Instead, he targeted what he called the "addictive design of certain applications" and business models that prioritize screen time over wellbeing.
Greece's announcement follows similar measures globally. Australia became the first country to mandate the removal of under-16 accounts from major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat in December, with France, Austria, and Spain pursuing comparable restrictions. The UK government is currently consulting on a potential ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are evaluating similar policies.
Social media companies have consistently opposed blanket bans, arguing they are ineffective, difficult to enforce, and could potentially isolate vulnerable teenagers. Reddit is currently challenging Australia's law in court.
Mitsotakis also revealed plans to advocate for European Union-wide action, having sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing a common framework. His recommendations include mandatory age verification for under-15s across all platforms, a pan-European ban for that age group, and requirements for platforms to re-verify users' ages every six months.
The debate over children's social media use has intensified amid growing evidence linking platform use to mental health issues. In a landmark U.S. trial concluded in March, Meta and YouTube were found liable for intentionally creating addictive platforms that harmed a woman's mental health during her childhood. Both companies have stated they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.
Further details about Greece's regulatory framework for enforcing the ban are expected to be released later this week.