Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year
Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Starting Next Year
Government Targets Youth Mental Health with New Restrictions
Greece is set to introduce new regulations limiting access to social media for children under 15, marking another step in Europe’s growing focus on curbing digital exposure for young users. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the initiative’s intent to combat rising mental health concerns, including anxiety and sleep disturbances, which he attributes to the “addictive design” of online platforms.
The rule will take effect in January, requiring platforms to restrict young users below the age of 15. Mitsotakis highlighted that many children feel drained by constant comparisons and online pressure, as shared in a video message posted on TikTok. He also cited parental reports of sleep issues and heightened anxiety linked to prolonged phone use.
“The addictive design of certain applications, and a business model focused on capturing your attention, takes away your innocence and freedom. That has to stop somewhere,” Mitsotakis said.
Further details on the regulatory framework will be released later on Wednesday. The Greek leader also urged the EU to adopt unified measures, suggesting age verification across all platforms and periodic rechecks of users’ ages every six months. He argued these steps would complement national efforts to safeguard minors.
Global Trends in Youth Digital Regulation
Australia was the first country to mandate TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other major platforms to remove accounts of under-16s or face hefty fines. France, Austria, and Spain have since joined similar initiatives, while the UK is reviewing potential restrictions. Ireland and Denmark are also exploring comparable policies.
Social media firms claim blanket bans may not be effective or enforceable, potentially isolating at-risk teenagers. Reddit, for instance, has contested Australia’s law in court. Despite criticism, the debate over children’s online habits has gained momentum, fueled by recent evidence of social media’s impact on mental health.
In March, Meta and YouTube were held accountable in a significant US trial related to a woman’s childhood social media dependency. A jury found the companies had designed platforms to keep users engaged, harming her psychological well-being. Meta and Google plan to appeal the decision, stating teen mental health is multifaceted and cannot be solely blamed on one app.