Greece will ban children under the age of 15 from using social media starting January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep problems, and addictive platform designs. The move aims to protect minors and encourage wider European Union action on online safety.
Ban Details and Enforcement
Greece’s government has already restricted mobile phone use in schools and implemented parental control platforms to limit screen time for teenagers. From 2027, social media platforms must be able to restrict access for users under 15 or face fines under the EU Digital Services Act, which can reach up to 6% of global turnover, according to Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.
Parliament is expected to pass the legislation by mid-2026. While Greece cannot yet force platforms to verify users’ ages, it recommends existing EU mechanisms and calls on parents to assist in monitoring.
EU-Wide Proposal
Mitsotakis is urging the EU to adopt a unified system, arguing that national measures alone are insufficient. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he proposed:
- Establishing an EU-wide “digital age of majority” at 15
- Mandating age verification and regular re-verification on all platforms
- Creating harmonized enforcement and penalties across the bloc
State Minister Akis Skertsos said national legislation is heavily influenced by EU rules and that without a coordinated framework, domestic measures will have limited impact.
International Context
Greece follows Australia, which in December 2025 banned children under 16 from platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Malaysia, France, Denmark, and Poland, are also tightening social media regulations or considering similar bans.
The Greek government cited a February ALCO opinion poll, which showed around 80% of respondents supported the ban, reflecting public concern over the mental health impacts and screen addiction among children.
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