Greece will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting 1 January next year, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Tuesday.
In a video posted on TikTok, Mitsotakis described the measure as “difficult but necessary” and said the country is among the first in the world to implement such a restriction. He added that he would encourage the European Union to consider similar rules across member states.
The prime minister explained that he chose to use social media for the announcement to speak directly to young users. “I know that some of you are going to be angry,” he said. “Our aim is not to keep you away from technology but to combat addiction to certain applications that harms your innocence and your freedom.”
Mitsotakis cited scientific studies highlighting the effects of prolonged screen exposure on children. “Science is clear: when a child is in front of screens for hours, their brain does not rest,” he said, emphasizing concerns about mental health and cognitive development.
The move aligns Greece with a small but growing number of countries introducing age-based restrictions on social media use. Australia became the first nation to require platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove accounts held by under-16s last December, under threat of heavy fines for noncompliance.
Indonesia enforced a similar ban for users under 16 in March, and authorities have already sent summons to Google and Meta over failures to comply. Austria last month announced plans to restrict social media for children under 14, with legislation expected this summer. Spain and Denmark have also declared intentions to establish a digital age of majority for social networks.
In Ireland, the government has pushed for an EU-wide decision but indicated it will act domestically if needed.
Mitsotakis said the Greek government’s goal is to balance children’s access to digital tools with the protection of their well-being. “We want young people to benefit from technology without being exposed to its addictive and harmful aspects,” he said.
The announcement is likely to spark debate both in Greece and across Europe, as parents, educators, and technology companies weigh the benefits of early digital engagement against potential risks to mental health and social development.
The law is set to take effect on 1 January 2027, marking a significant step in global efforts to regulate children’s use of social media and safeguard their digital lives.
