Greece is set to block access to social media for children within months, joining a growing number of European countries considering similar measures. Meanwhile, Brussels is working on its own framework, with its recommendations due this summer — raising the question of whether national governments will outpace the EU.
The Greek government plans to ban users under the age of 15 from accessing social media starting 1 January 2027. It is thus among the first countries to take this step. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis justified the move by pointing to mounting concerns over children’s mental health, particularly anxiety and sleep disorders. He criticized the “addictive design” of online platforms.
“Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online,” Mr Mitsotakis said in a video posted on TikTok. He described the measure as “difficult but necessary”.
He stressed the aim is not to isolate children from technology, which can be a source of inspiration and education. Rather, he argued, the problem lies in the business model of certain platforms, built around maximising screen time. It “robs children of their innocence and their freedom”, he added.
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According to opinion polls, the proposed ban enjoys broad public support, with around 80 per cent of respondents in favour. Greece has already taken additional steps, including banning mobile phones in schools and introducing parental control to limit screen time.
Call for harmonised solution
Athens has also openly acknowledged that national measures alone will not suffice. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Mitsotakis called for a unified European framework. Among his proposals are the introduction of a “digital age of majority” set at 15, mandatory age verification across platforms, and regular checks of users’ ages.
At the EU level, the debate is now gathering pace. The European Commission has convened an expert panel on protecting children in the online environment. “For decades, we have made the real world safer for children and we must do the same in the digital world. The positive opportunities that technology offers cannot come at the cost of their safety, health or happiness,” said Ms von der Leyen at the initial meeting on 5 March. The panel’s recommendations are expected this summer, after which the Commission will consider further steps.
Brussels has welcomed national initiatives, while emphasising the need for coordination. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stressed that Greece is among the frontrunners, particularly in the rollout of age-verification systems. The overarching goal, however, remains a harmonised solution across the bloc, he added.
Far beyond the European borders
Beyond Greece, several other countries are weighing tighter rules. Denmark and Ireland are discussing similar measures, while debates are also under way in France, Spain and Austria. The United Kingdom has launched consultations on a potential ban for users under 16.
Pressure to regulate is also mounting beyond Europe. Australia last year became the first country to require platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to minors or face heavy fines. Such measures, however, have met resistance from technology companies. They warn of enforcement challenges and the risk of isolating vulnerable young people.
Europe now faces a choice: pursue a unified regulatory approach or leave the initiative to individual states. Greece’s move suggests that some governments are no longer willing to wait—and raises the question of whether the EU can keep pace, or will instead be left catching up.
