Greece will ban all kids under 15 from using social media

Source: Engadget

Greece will ban children under the age of 15 from using social media starting next year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the measure in a TikTok video, citing anxiety, sleep problems, and addictive design features as key concerns.

Background

Greece has already taken steps to curb excessive screen time for minors, including a 2024 ban on mobile phones in schools. The new policy aims to prevent children from comparing themselves to others online and from taking harmful comments to heart.

Details of the Ban

• Age restriction: No social‑media accounts for users younger than 15.
• Verification: Social‑media platforms will be legally required to verify users’ ages, as mandated by the EU’s Digital Services Act.
• Enforcement: Non‑compliant platforms could face fines.
• Parental tool: Parents must download a state‑backed app called Kids Wallet, which can be paired with a child’s device to block access.

The precise enforcement mechanisms are still being refined by Greek decision‑makers.

Public Reaction

Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledged that the policy would likely upset many young Greeks, but an opinion poll by ALCO (published in February) indicated broad support among the adult population.

International Context

Greece joins a growing list of countries that have introduced similar restrictions, including:

• Indonesia
• Austria
• Australia

The United Kingdom is also considering tighter limits for users under 16.

“Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative,” Mitsotakis said. “I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.” – Kyriakos Mitsotakis

As reported by The New York Times, Greece’s digital governance minister Dimitris Papastergiou confirmed the legal requirements for social‑media companies.

Original article: Engadget