Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year

Greece will introduce a social media restriction for children under 15 starting in January, joining a wave of European nations targeting youth engagement with digital platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the initiative as a response to growing concerns about mental health issues and sleep disturbances among young users.

The government argues that platforms’ “addictive design” encourages constant connectivity, undermining children’s autonomy and well-being. Mitsotakis emphasized the need to balance technology’s benefits with its risks, stating, “The business model that prioritizes screen time over personal freedom must be reined in.”

“Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online,” Mitsotakis said in a TikTok video. Parents, he added, reported their children struggle with restful sleep and heightened anxiety due to persistent phone use.

Australia pioneered similar regulations in December, mandating TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove accounts for users under 16 or face hefty fines. France, Austria, and Spain are following suit, while the UK and Ireland are evaluating comparable measures.

Reddit is challenging Australia’s law in court, asserting it may isolate vulnerable teenagers. The regulatory details, including age verification requirements and periodic checks every six months, will be finalized today. Mitsotakis also urged the EU to adopt a unified framework to support national efforts in protecting minors.

The debate over youth and social media has intensified, driven by evidence linking platforms to mental health challenges. In March, a landmark US case found Meta and YouTube liable for contributing to a woman’s childhood addiction through their design. Meta and Google plan to appeal the decision, insisting teen well-being is influenced by multiple factors beyond any single app.