Greece Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 Starting January 2026

Greece has announced a ban on social media access for children under 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, if approved by parliament. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated the policy aims to protect young users from the addictive design of online platforms. The announcement follows similar legislative efforts in other nations.

The ban targets platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, requiring age verification to enforce restrictions. Mitsotakis addressed the proposal in a TikTok video directed at younger audiences. He noted potential opposition from children but emphasized the measure's necessity.

Restrictions Australia implemented the first national ban on social media for minors in late 2025, focusing on risks like cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to predators.

France and Spain have enacted or are developing comparable laws restricting teenage access. Other countries, including those in Europe, are actively considering similar policies. Spain passed legislation in 2025 requiring parental consent for minors under 16 to use social media.

Australia's ban applies to users under 16 and mandates device-level enforcement. These measures reflect growing international concern over youth mental health impacts from social media.

Experts have described outright bans as a potential admission of regulatory shortcomings in overseeing tech companies.

One expert told CNBC that such policies represent a failure to regulate platforms effectively, opting instead to limit children's access. Implementation details for Greece's ban remain under discussion, including enforcement mechanisms and potential EU-wide coordination. Mitsotakis called for unified action across the European Union to address these issues consistently.

The policy in Greece could influence other EU member states to adopt similar restrictions.

It highlights ongoing debates about balancing digital access with child protection. Parliamentary approval is required before the ban proceeds.