ATHENS — Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Wednesday that Greece will implement a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. The policy is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Mitsotakis cited the detrimental impact of digital platforms on adolescent development as the primary driver for the legislation. He pointed to rising rates of anxiety and persistent sleep disturbances among young users as urgent public health issues.
Addressing digital addiction
Beyond mental health concerns, the government highlighted the addictive nature of modern online platforms. Officials argue that the design of these applications intentionally captures the attention of younger demographics, often at the expense of their daily routines and academic performance.
The proposed ban has found significant support among the Greek public. Data from an ALCO opinion poll published in February indicated that approximately 80% of respondents approve of the government's move to restrict social media access for this age group.
While the administration has yet to release the technical details regarding how the ban will be enforced across various platforms, the announcement signals a shift in governmental policy toward regulating the digital environment for minors. The move aligns with a broader international trend of policymakers seeking to mitigate the influence of algorithms on younger generations.
