Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

The Greek government plans to implement a social media ban for children aged 15 and younger, marking another step in Europe’s efforts to limit young users’ engagement with online platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the initiative’s intent to address growing concerns about youth mental health, including heightened anxiety and sleep disturbances, alongside the ‘addictive design’ of social media platforms.

The ban is set to take effect in January of the following year. Earlier this month, Australia became the first nation globally to mandate TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other leading platforms to remove accounts registered by under-16s or face substantial penalties. France, Austria, and Spain are also advancing similar measures, while the UK government has initiated a public review on imposing restrictions for minors under 16. Ireland and Denmark are evaluating comparable policies.

Social media firms argue that such comprehensive bans lack effectiveness and may hinder teenagers who rely on these platforms for communication. Reddit, for instance, is contesting Australia’s regulation in court. In a TikTok video message, Mitsotakis stated:

“Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online.”

He cited parental reports indicating children experience poor sleep, anxiety, and constant phone usage. While acknowledging technology’s potential as a tool for creativity and learning, he insisted the focus was on curbing platforms’ manipulative features.

Further specifics about the regulatory system will be shared on Wednesday. Mitsotakis also expressed Greece’s intent to advocate for EU-wide reforms. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he proposed a unified framework to support national efforts in safeguarding minors. His proposals include compulsory age checks for under-15s, a continent-wide ban for that demographic, and periodic age verification updates every six months.

The discourse on children’s digital habits has gained urgency recently, fueled by evidence of social media’s impact on mental well-being. In March, Meta and YouTube faced liability in a U.S. legal case involving a woman’s childhood social media dependency. A jury determined the companies had intentionally engineered addictive interfaces that harmed her psychological health. Meta and Google contested the ruling, planning to appeal. Meta noted:

“Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”