In a move poised to reshape digital policy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday plans to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, set to take effect from January 1, 2027. This initiative is navigating towards formal legislation in the Greek Parliament by mid-2026. The specifics of which platforms will be impacted remain unspecified; however, the enforcement approach may mirror the EU Digital Services Act through potential fines on noncompliant platforms. This policy reflects growing international concern over the impact of social media on young users as Greece has previously introduced measures like prohibiting mobile phones in schools.
Recent surveys indicate strong public backing for the ban, with 80 percent of Greeks in favor, highlighting widespread concern on this issue. The Greek government’s approach aligns with a global trend, following in the footsteps of countries like Australia. In 2025, Australia prohibited social media engagement for anyone under 16 on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Proponents argue that the dangers of cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators outweigh the benefits of social media exposure for young users. UNICEF Australia has supported similar measures, reflecting a protective stance observed globally.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ announcement was accompanied by a video addressing the youth directly, expressing empathy for the “tired of comparisons, of comments, of the constant pressure” they face, echoing concerns raised by numerous studies on the psychological impacts of social media on children. The enforcement mechanisms, like those in Australia, will require platforms’ cooperation. Tools like the OpenAge Initiative’s AgeKeys have been developed to aid platforms in ensuring compliance through age verification.
As the legislation progresses, it will likely attract attention not only from within Greece but also from countries deliberating similar measures. The effectiveness and global applicability of age verification tools like Meta’s recent initiatives, which led to the removal of nearly 550,000 accounts suspected to belong to under-16s, will be critical in shaping this policy landscape. For a deeper dive into these developments, please visit this detailed report.