Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year
Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 15 Starting Next Year
Greece is set to implement a social media ban for children under 15 starting in 2024, joining a wave of European nations seeking to limit youth exposure to digital platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the measure’s intent to address growing concerns about mental health, sleep disturbances, and the influence of social media’s engineered engagement features.
Global Precedents and Regional Movements
Australia pioneered similar restrictions in December 2023, mandating that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat remove accounts for users under 16 or risk substantial penalties. France, Austria, and Spain have also advanced comparable policies, while the UK is evaluating a ban for under-16s through a public consultation. Ireland and Denmark are exploring similar strategies, reflecting a broader trend across Europe.
“Many young people report feeling drained by constant comparisons, harsh comments, and the pressure to stay connected indefinitely,” Mitsotakis stated in a TikTok video. He noted that parents described children suffering from poor sleep and heightened anxiety, often tethered to their phones throughout the day.
The proposed rule, described as “challenging yet essential,” aims to curb the effects of apps designed to maximize screen time. Mitsotakis stressed that the goal is not to cut off technology access but to safeguard minors from its potentially harmful aspects. He called for a unified EU approach, urging the European Commission to support national efforts in protecting young users.
Regulatory Framework and Legal Challenges
Further specifics on enforcing the ban will be released on Wednesday. The plan includes mandatory age verification for all platforms, a continent-wide restriction for under-15s, and periodic age checks every six months. Meanwhile, Reddit has contested Australia’s law in court, arguing that broad bans may be hard to apply and could inadvertently affect at-risk adolescents.
The discussion surrounding children’s social media use has gained momentum as studies highlight its impact on psychological well-being. In March, a significant U.S. ruling held Meta and YouTube accountable for contributing to a girl’s social media dependency during her childhood. The verdict alleged that the companies intentionally created addictive environments. Meta and Google have since expressed disagreement, planning appeals to challenge the decision.
