featured News Trending

Greece has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15 starting January next year, aiming to address rising anxiety, sleep problems, and excessive screen time among young people. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move targets the addictive design of social media platforms while ensuring technology remains a tool for learning and creativity.

The proposed law places Greece among a growing number of countries taking action to limit children’s exposure to online platforms. Nations such as Australia, France, Austria, and Spain have introduced or are considering similar restrictions, while the UK, Ireland, and Denmark are exploring comparable measures. Greece is also pushing for a unified European Union framework with mandatory age verification and regular checks on user ages.

Social media companies have opposed blanket bans, arguing they may be difficult to enforce and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. The debate has intensified globally following growing evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health issues, with recent legal cases in the United States highlighting concerns over addictive platform designs and their impact on young users.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Austria has announced plans to ban social media access for children under the age of 14, joining a growing list of countries considering tighter online restrictions for minors. The proposal comes after negotiations within the coalition government, with Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler stating that authorities must act against the harmful and addictive effects of social media on young users.

The move reflects a broader trend across Europe and beyond, with countries like France, Spain, and Australia already proposing or implementing similar restrictions. In the United States, a recent court case also found major platforms had designed addictive algorithms that negatively impacted young people’s mental health, adding momentum to stricter regulations.

While Austrian officials say the ban will include age-verification measures and could align with EU systems, critics argue it may limit freedom of expression. Despite opposition concerns, analysts suggest the policy is popular among parents and part of wider government efforts to address social and educational challenges.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

France’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, citing rising concerns over online bullying, mental health risks and youth violence. Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour of the bill, which would also restrict social-networking features embedded within wider digital platforms. The proposal now heads to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the move, urging France to follow Australia’s lead after it introduced a world-first ban on social media access for under-16s in December. Macron wants the French ban to take effect by the start of the next academic year in September. Supporters of the bill argue that social media is harming children’s well-being, with lawmakers warning it is reducing sleep, reading habits and self-esteem among young users.

If enacted, the law would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to enforce age restrictions using verification systems compliant with EU regulations. While enforcement remains a challenge, public backing in France is strong, with a 2024 survey showing nearly three-quarters of respondents support the ban. The legislation would also extend France’s existing smartphone ban in schools to include high schools, as debate continues across Europe on setting minimum ages for social media use.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright