Greece’s parliament has approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to address concerns over the impact of online platforms on the health, safety and well-being of minors. The ban is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2027.
The legislation comes amid growing international concern about children’s exposure to social media, including excessive screen time, online safety risks and the potential effects of prolonged platform use on sleep, concentration and social development. Greek authorities have said the measure is intended to help children spend less time scrolling through social media and more time engaging in offline activities, including spending time with friends and family.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said social media companies would have approximately two and a half months to develop systems that can verify users’ ages while protecting their privacy. The requirement presents a challenge for platforms that must establish reliable age-verification mechanisms without unnecessarily collecting or exposing sensitive personal information.
The Greek government has framed the legislation as a response to concerns shared by parents about the amount of time children spend online. Officials have highlighted the problem of “endless scrolling”, which they say can interfere with children’s sleep, ability to concentrate and opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Growing International Push to Restrict Children’s Social Media Access
Greece’s decision follows a broader international movement to introduce stricter rules governing minors’ access to social media. Australia became the first country to pass legislation restricting children’s use of social media, establishing a precedent that has encouraged other governments to consider similar measures.
European countries have also been exploring restrictions on children’s access to digital platforms. However, legal challenges have demonstrated the difficulties involved in implementing such policies. In France, a similar law was struck down by the country’s Constitutional Council in August, highlighting the legal and regulatory questions surrounding age-based restrictions.
Greece is also among seven European Union member states seeking an age-verification solution in cooperation with the European Commission. The initiative reflects a wider effort to develop approaches that could help enforce age-related restrictions across digital services while addressing concerns about privacy and implementation.
Age Verification and Privacy Remain Key Challenges
One of the central issues in enforcing Greece’s new law will be determining how platforms can reliably establish users’ ages. Social media services will need to develop or adapt verification systems capable of identifying underage users while limiting the risks associated with collecting personal data.
The government’s timeline places pressure on platforms to prepare for the January 2027 implementation date. The effectiveness of the ban will depend partly on how verification requirements are applied and how platforms respond to attempts by underage users to access restricted services.
The legislation also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of technology companies in protecting younger users and the role governments should play in regulating online environments. As more countries consider restrictions, differences in legal frameworks and enforcement approaches could influence how platforms manage access for minors in different markets.
A Wider Debate Over Children’s Digital Well-Being
Greece’s move adds to an increasingly prominent debate over how to balance children’s access to digital communication and online communities with the need to protect them from potential harm. Supporters of tighter restrictions argue that governments and technology companies must take stronger action to address excessive social media use among minors.
At the same time, age-verification systems and restrictions on access require careful implementation to address privacy concerns and practical enforcement challenges. The coming months will be important as platforms prepare for the new requirements and authorities work towards the law’s scheduled start date.
With the ban due to take effect on January 1, 2027, Greece is positioning itself among the countries seeking stronger safeguards for children in the digital environment. Its implementation could also contribute to the wider European discussion about the future of social media access for minors.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official statements. Readers are advised to refer to official announcements for further details.
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