Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 15, starting January 1, 2027.
Greece Moves to Limit Youth Social Media Access
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that Greece is preparing to block access to social media platforms for children under 15 years of age, effective January 1, 2027.
Mitsotakis stated in a video recording that children who spend excessive time in front of screens do not allow their minds to rest and are exposed to increasing pressure from constant comparisons and online commentary. He added that he has spoken with many parents who report their children, spending long hours on their phones, experience sleep problems and are prone to anxiety.
Impact of Phones and Social Media on Children’s Mental Health
Approximately 80 percent of respondents supported such a ban, according to a public opinion poll conducted by ALCO and published in February.
Existing Measures and Future Plans
Mitsotakis’s conservative government has already banned the use of mobile phones in schools and created parental control platforms aimed at limiting teenagers’ screen time.
The proposals will be presented to parliament this summer, with implementation planned for January 1, 2027, as announced by Mitsotakis.
A European Trend?
Greece will be one of the first countries to take such an initiative, Mitsotakis said, adding he is confident this ban will not be the last of its kind in Europe. He stated their goal is also to encourage the European Union to follow suit.
International Precedents
Australia, in 2025, became the first country globally to block access to social media services for individuals under 16. Several other European countries, including France and Spain, have declared they are working on similar bans.
