Greece will prohibit access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15 starting January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday, marking one of the most stringent digital regulations targeting minors in Europe.
The policy aims to curb excessive screen time and address growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being. Mitsotakis stated that the government intends to combat addiction to digital platforms while encouraging healthier engagement with technology.
The Greek government plans to advocate for a unified European framework, proposing a “Digital Age of Majority” set at 15 across the European Union, along with mandatory age verification systems to ensure compliance. The measure would apply to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Officials said the restriction will apply to children born from 2012 onwards, with periodic verification mechanisms expected to prevent circumvention. The move comes amid increasing global debate over online safety and the long-term effects of social media exposure on minors.