Greece to Implement Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 Starting January 2027

This legislation reflects a growing trend in Europe and beyond to prioritize child safety in digital spaces, impacting how companies engage with young users.

• On April 8, 2026, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, effective January 1, 2027.
• The initiative aims to combat issues like anxiety and addiction linked to social media use among youth, with 75% of users being primary-school age.
• Legislation is expected to pass in summer 2026, requiring platforms to implement age verification measures.

• Parental concerns about cyberbullying and excessive screen time have driven this initiative, with significant public support at approximately 80%.
• Greece's move aligns with similar restrictions in countries like Australia, France, and Spain, showcasing a broader European commitment to youth protections.
• The EU Digital Services Act empowers regulators to impose fines for non-compliance, indicating that Greece's legislation could set a precedent for further regulatory actions across Europe.

The announcement of the social media ban for children under 15 in Greece is part of a larger narrative concerning the protection of youth in an increasingly digital world. As social media platforms have become ubiquitous, concerns have surged regarding their impact on mental health, particularly among younger users. The Greek government has responded to these concerns by proposing legislation that aims to limit access to social media for children, a move that reflects a growing recognition of the potential harms associated with these platforms.

Data from the Greek Safer Internet Centre revealed that a staggering 75% of social media users among children are of primary-school age, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures. The proposed legislation is not merely a reaction to public sentiment; it is also a proactive step towards establishing a safer digital environment for youth. By excluding messaging applications from the ban, the government acknowledges the importance of communication tools while still aiming to mitigate the risks associated with social media.

The timing of this announcement is crucial. With discussions around the ban surfacing as early as February 2026, the government has been keen to position itself as a leader in youth protection. Prime Minister Mitsotakis's use of social media to announce the ban underscores the irony of the situation—while the platforms are being criticized for their impact on children, they remain a primary communication tool for leaders and citizens alike.

This initiative is also part of a broader European trend, with several countries implementing similar restrictions. Greece's push for an EU-wide standard for a "digital age of majority" at 15 years old could lead to harmonized regulations across member states, making compliance easier for social media companies operating in multiple jurisdictions. The anticipated swift passage of the legislation, with minimal opposition, indicates a strong political will to prioritize child welfare in the digital age.

As the legislation moves towards parliamentary approval, the focus will shift to how social media platforms will adapt to these new regulations. The requirement for age verification presents a significant challenge, as platforms must develop robust systems to ensure compliance. This could lead to a ripple effect, influencing how social media companies design their services and engage with younger audiences in the future.

• Parents: Increased responsibility for monitoring children's online activities and ensuring compliance with new regulations.
• Social Media Companies: Need to invest in age verification technologies and adapt their platforms to comply with the new law.
• Educators: Potential shifts in digital literacy education as schools adapt to the new landscape of social media use among students.

• Legislative Progress: Monitor the timeline for parliamentary approval and the specifics of the final legislation, as this will set the stage for implementation.
• Platform Responses: Watch how social media companies react to the ban, particularly regarding compliance strategies and potential pushback.
• Public Sentiment: Keep an eye on ongoing public opinion regarding the ban, as shifts in parental concerns or youth advocacy could influence future policy adjustments.