Greece Announces Ban on Social Media Access for Children Under 15 Starting Next Year

Greece will implement a nationwide ban preventing children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, effective from next year. The policy requires parental consent for users aged 15 to 17. This initiative responds to growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health and development.

The ban builds on a 2023 law that already restricts online gambling and pornography for minors. Enforcement will involve age verification mechanisms, though specific methods remain undisclosed. Greece's move follows a pattern observed in other nations addressing digital risks to children.

International Context Several countries have enacted or are developing similar restrictions.

Australia passed legislation in 2024 banning social media for those under 16, with fines up to 30 million Australian dollars for non-compliant platforms. Spain introduced a prohibition on social media for minors under 16 earlier this year, while France is advancing plans for under-15 restrictions. Other European nations, including the United Kingdom and Italy, are considering comparable measures.

The European Union has encouraged member states to prioritize child safety online through its Digital Services Act. These policies reflect a broader international effort to mitigate harms such as cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content.

Implementation and Challenges Greek authorities have not detailed how the ban will be technically enforced, but it may involve platform-level age checks or device-based controls.

The New York Times reported that countries like Australia and Spain are working on plans to restrict teenagers' access to social sites. Bloomberg noted ongoing developments in multiple jurisdictions, though specific enforcement timelines vary. Critics argue that such bans could limit educational benefits of social media and raise privacy issues with verification processes.

Supporters emphasize the need to protect vulnerable children from algorithmic harms. The policy's effectiveness will depend on compliance from global tech companies operating in Greece.

Broader Implications This ban could influence EU-wide standards for online child protection.

It aligns with recommendations from organizations like UNICEF, which advocate for stricter age-based controls. As more countries adopt similar measures, social media firms may face increased regulatory pressure across borders.