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Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Starting January 2027: What Parents Need to KnowGreece has become one of the first European countries to take bold action against youth social media addiction.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced today that children under the age of 15 will be banned from accessing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and others beginning January 1, 2027.
The landmark decision aims to protect young minds from the well-documented harms of endless scrolling, cyberbullying, and constant social comparison.
Why Greece Is Implementing a Social Media Ban for Under-15s
In a direct video message posted on TikTok (ironically using the platform to reach young people), Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the move as “difficult but necessary.” He highlighted growing concerns over:
- Rising anxiety and mental health issues among children
- Disrupted sleep patterns caused by late-night scrolling
- The addictive design of social media apps that prioritize user attention over well-being
- Pressure from online comparisons and negative comments
Mitsotakis noted that he consulted extensively with parents before making the decision. According to the Greek Safer Internet Centre, a staggering 75% of children using social media in Greece are of primary-school age — underscoring the urgency of the reform.
The legislation is expected to be tabled in Parliament in summer 2026 and will require parents or guardians to install a state-mandated app that enforces the restriction across all devices.
How the Ban Will Work
- Effective date: January 1, 2027
- Age limit: No access to major social media platforms for anyone under 15
- Enforcement: Mandatory control app on devices (regardless of parental preference)
- Scope: Applies to popular platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and similar services
Greece has already banned mobile phones in schools and introduced parental control tools, showing a consistent commitment to youth digital protection.Strong Public Support in GreeceAn opinion poll conducted in February showed approximately 80% of Greeks approve of restricting social media access for young children. Many parents have expressed relief, citing struggles with screen addiction and online safety.Greece Calls for EU-Wide ActionPrime Minister Mitsotakis is not stopping at national borders. He has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging a unified EU “digital age of majority” at 15, including:
- Mandatory age verification for all platforms
- Regular re-verification of user ages
- Harmonized enforcement and penalties across the bloc
Greece aims to position itself as a leader in this growing global movement.
A Worldwide Trend in Youth Social Media Regulation
Greece joins several countries taking decisive steps:
- Australia became the first nation to require social media platforms to remove accounts of users under 16.
- The United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Poland, Malaysia, and others are either considering or legislating similar restrictions.
This wave of regulation reflects mounting evidence that excessive social media use correlates with poorer mental health outcomes in children and teenagers.
What This Means for Parents and Families
If you’re a parent in Greece (or watching developments internationally), the upcoming ban could significantly change how families manage screen time. While some teens may initially resist the change, many experts view it as a necessary reset that could encourage more real-world activities, better sleep, and improved mental well-being.The Greek government emphasizes that protecting childhood innocence and freedom from addictive algorithms outweighs short-term inconvenience.
Final Thoughts
Greece’s decision to ban social media for under-15s from 2027 sends a clear message: children’s mental health must come before platform profits.
As more countries consider similar measures, this could mark the beginning of a broader shift in how societies regulate digital spaces for the youngest users.Stay tuned for updates as the legislation progresses through Parliament this summer.
What do you think about Greece’s social media ban for children under 15? Should other countries follow? Share your thoughts in the comments below.