Greece Announces Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-15s Starting 2027
In a groundbreaking move to protect youth mental health, Greece has officially declared it will ban all social media access for children under 15 years old starting January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed the sweeping restriction on Wednesday morning, highlighting growing concerns about anxiety, sleep disorders, and the intentionally addictive nature of online platforms.
Addressing a Growing Mental Health Crisis
Prime Minister Mitsotakis delivered a direct video message to Greek children, explaining that excessive screen time prevents young minds from resting properly. He emphasized the psychological toll of constant social comparison and the barrage of online comments that children face daily. The Prime Minister revealed he has consulted extensively with parents who report their children suffering from poor sleep patterns, heightened anxiety, and compulsive phone usage.
"Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative," Mitsotakis stated definitively. "I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well." This positions Greece as a potential pioneer in digital child protection policy within Europe.
Overwhelming Public Support and Enforcement Strategy
Public opinion strongly favors the intervention. An ALCO opinion poll from February showed approximately 80% of surveyed Greeks approve of the social media ban for minors. This builds on existing government measures that have already outlawed mobile phones in schools and established parental control platforms to manage teenage screen time.
According to detailed local reporting, enforcement will likely occur through a state-mandated application installed on all devices. This sophisticated app can block access to major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Notably, Greece already utilizes similar technology to prevent underage purchases of cigarettes and alcohol, demonstrating a proven track record of age-restriction enforcement.
The Scale of the Problem and Parental Relief
Statistics from the Greek Safer Internet Centre in Athens reveal the urgency of the situation: a staggering 75% of children using social media in Greece are of primary-school age. This early exposure has created what many parents describe as an unmanageable crisis.
One mother expressed the collective frustration to Reuters before the ban's confirmation: "Ban them, shut them down. We've reached our limits... We parents need help." Her sentiment echoes the widespread adult support captured in polling, with 80% of Greek adults backing the restrictions according to firm ALCO.
The Greek government's comprehensive approach—combining school phone bans, parental control systems, and now a complete social media prohibition for young teens—represents one of the world's most aggressive stances against digital harm to children. As 2027 approaches, international observers will closely monitor the implementation and outcomes of this unprecedented policy experiment.
