Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s Beginning January
Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s Beginning January
Greece plans to restrict under-15s from using social media from January, arguing it will protect kids’ sleep and mental health while parliament weighs the measure.
Greece has announced a plan to ban social media access for anyone under 15 from January 1, pending parliamentary approval. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move is a \"difficult but necessary\" step aimed at tackling rising anxiety, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms. He addressed a younger audience in a TikTok video, stressing that the goal is not to cut children off from technology but to give their minds a healthier pace of life when screens dominate.\n\nIn a 300-seat parliament controlled by his New Democracy party, MPs are expected to vote on the measure this summer. If approved, Greece would be among the first European countries to implement a nationwide ban, following steps already taken in schools and ongoing talks elsewhere in the EU. Last year, Athens outlawed mobile phones in schools and launched parental control tools to curb excessive screen time. The government has cited concerns about cyberbullying and growing app addiction.\n\nPublic sentiment appears to support tighter controls: a Greek pollster reported strong backing for restrictions and similar broad support across several European nations for limiting under-16 access to social sites, though views diverge on effectiveness and enforcement. Critics warn about practical hurdles, including verifying ages and balancing access to education and information.\n\nAdvocates say the plan sets a precedent for safeguarding children while inviting dialogue on smarter tech design and digital literacy. With the parliamentary vote anticipated this summer, many are watching how this national move might influence broader EU action and how families adapt to new boundaries around online life.
