Greece Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Greece’s parliament has approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, citing growing concerns about the impact of online platforms on children’s health and safety. According to Reuters, the ban will come into effect on January 1, 2027, as the country seeks to address issues linked to excessive screen time and online activity among minors.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said social media companies have approximately two and a half months to develop systems for verifying users’ ages while protecting their privacy. Greece is also among seven European Union countries working with the European Commission to establish an age-verification solution. The government says the restrictions aim to tackle endless scrolling, which can affect children’s sleep, concentration and time spent with friends.

The move follows Australia’s legislation restricting social media access for minors, passed in 2025. France also introduced a similar law, but it was struck down by the country’s Constitutional Council in August 2026. Greece’s decision adds to growing efforts across Europe and beyond to regulate children’s access to social media and improve online safety.

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