Greece has announced plans to ban access to social media for under-15s, becoming the latest European country to restrict children's exposure to online platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move was aimed at tackling rising anxiety and sleep problems among young people, as well as what he described as the addictive design of social media. The restriction will come into force from January of next year.
In December, Australia became the first country in the world to require TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other top sites to remove accounts held by under-16s, or face heavy fines. France, Austria, and Spain are among a growing number of nations pursuing similar curbs. The UK government has launched a consultation on whether to implement a ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are considering similar measures.
Social media companies argue that blanket bans will be ineffective, difficult to enforce, and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. Reddit is challenging Australia's law in court. In a video message posted on TikTok on Wednesday, Mitsotakis stated, Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online. He also mentioned conversations with parents concerned about their children’s sleep and anxiety levels due to constant phone usage.
Mitsotakis described the planned restriction as difficult but necessary, emphasizing the need to prevent the addictive nature of some applications that impinge on children's freedom and innocence. Further details regarding the regulatory framework for enforcement will be provided shortly, and Greece will advocate for a unified European policy, including mandatory age verification for under-15s and a six-month re-verification of user ages on online platforms as part of a wider strategy to safeguard minors from harmful digital influences.
In December, Australia became the first country in the world to require TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other top sites to remove accounts held by under-16s, or face heavy fines. France, Austria, and Spain are among a growing number of nations pursuing similar curbs. The UK government has launched a consultation on whether to implement a ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are considering similar measures.
Social media companies argue that blanket bans will be ineffective, difficult to enforce, and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. Reddit is challenging Australia's law in court. In a video message posted on TikTok on Wednesday, Mitsotakis stated, Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online. He also mentioned conversations with parents concerned about their children’s sleep and anxiety levels due to constant phone usage.
Mitsotakis described the planned restriction as difficult but necessary, emphasizing the need to prevent the addictive nature of some applications that impinge on children's freedom and innocence. Further details regarding the regulatory framework for enforcement will be provided shortly, and Greece will advocate for a unified European policy, including mandatory age verification for under-15s and a six-month re-verification of user ages on online platforms as part of a wider strategy to safeguard minors from harmful digital influences.
