What's happened
Greece plans to implement a ban on social media access for children under 15 starting January 2027. The move aims to reduce online harms, improve sleep and mental health, and align with similar policies in other countries. The government cites strong public support and existing measures like school bans and parental controls.
What's behind the headline?
The Greek social media ban signals a significant shift in how governments approach online safety for children. The policy underscores a growing recognition that current digital environments pose risks such as addiction, anxiety, and sleep disruption. While the government emphasizes protecting innocence and mental health, critics may argue that outright bans could limit technological literacy and freedom of expression. The move aligns Greece with countries like Australia, which has already implemented similar restrictions, and reflects a broader European trend to regulate online spaces for minors. The success of these policies will depend on enforcement and whether they effectively reduce online harms without unintended consequences, such as pushing children toward unregulated platforms. This initiative will likely influence EU-wide discussions on digital safety and could accelerate the adoption of stricter online regulations for minors across Europe.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Greece's legislation has little opposition and is expected to pass, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasizing the need to curb addictive app designs and online pressures. Reuters highlights that public support is high, with 80% approval in polls, and notes Greece's existing measures like school bans and parental controls. Sky News mentions that parents are calling for stronger intervention, with some viewing the ban as a last resort. All sources agree that Greece aims to be among the first countries to implement such a comprehensive social media restriction for children, aligning with international efforts to address online harms.
How we got here
Greece has been increasingly active in regulating online spaces for children, including banning mobile phones in schools and establishing parental control platforms. The move to ban social media for under-15s follows international trends, with Australia leading the way in restricting access for minors. Public concern over online harms and mental health issues among youth has driven policy discussions across Europe.
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Common question
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Why Is Greece Banning Social Media for Under-15s?
Greece is set to implement a ban on social media access for children under 15 starting January 2027. This move aims to protect young people from online harms, improve their mental health, and promote healthier sleep habits. But what exactly does this ban involve, and why is Greece taking such a step now? Below, we explore the reasons behind the ban, how it will work, and what it means for families and other countries considering similar measures.
More on these topics
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Kyriakos Mitsotakis is a Greek politician that is serving as Prime Minister of Greece since 8 July 2019. A member of New Democracy, he has been its president since 2016.
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Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, known also as Hellas, is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki.