Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s from 2027, Hopes EU Will Follow
Greece plans to ban social media for individuals under 15 starting in 2027, aiming to encourage the EU to follow suit and address children's stress and anxiety from prolonged screen time and constant comparison. Australia already prohibited under-16s from social media in December.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 20:16
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Reuters reports that Mitsotakis (Kyriakos Mitsotakis) stated in a video addressed to young people that children staring at screens for long periods cannot fully rest their brains and are under increasing pressure from constant comparisons and online comments.
Mitsotakis pointed out that he has spoken with many parents who report their children sleep poorly, become anxious, and spend a lot of time on their phones.
A poll released in February by the polling agency ALCO shows that about 80% of respondents support such a ban. The Greek government has previously banned mobile phone use in schools and established a parental supervision platform to limit screen time for adolescents.
Mitsotakis said, 'Greece will be one of the first countries to take such measures, but I am confident that Greece will never be the last. Our goal is to push the EU in this direction as well.'
Australia fired the first global shot last December, banning social media use for children under 16, with banned platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Other countries are also progressively strengthening regulations related to social media, including the UK, Malaysia, France, Denmark, and Poland, either considering similar bans or already promoting relevant legislation.
Turkish parliamentarians yesterday also began debating a bill that includes restricting social media platform use for children under 15. (Compiled by: Hong Pei-ying) 1150408
Mitsotakis pointed out that he has spoken with many parents who report their children sleep poorly, become anxious, and spend a lot of time on their phones.
A poll released in February by the polling agency ALCO shows that about 80% of respondents support such a ban. The Greek government has previously banned mobile phone use in schools and established a parental supervision platform to limit screen time for adolescents.
Mitsotakis said, 'Greece will be one of the first countries to take such measures, but I am confident that Greece will never be the last. Our goal is to push the EU in this direction as well.'
Australia fired the first global shot last December, banning social media use for children under 16, with banned platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Other countries are also progressively strengthening regulations related to social media, including the UK, Malaysia, France, Denmark, and Poland, either considering similar bans or already promoting relevant legislation.
Turkish parliamentarians yesterday also began debating a bill that includes restricting social media platform use for children under 15. (Compiled by: Hong Pei-ying) 1150408