Greece Sets the Stage for Digital Well-Being: Social Media Ban for Under-15s
A Bold Step Towards Protecting Youth Online
In a groundbreaking move, Greece has officially passed a law that prohibits children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. This legislative decision, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, marking a notable first within the European Union.
The newly enacted law targets popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), requiring them to implement robust age-verification systems. Mitsotakis described the decision as both “challenging yet essential,” acknowledging the pressing need for regulations amid increasing internet exposure among youth.
Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance and AI, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “It would have been easy to wait for the perfect European solution, but children are delving deeper into the digital world every day. A responsible government must take action.”
Implications of the New Legislation
Failure to adhere to this law will result in penalties under the European Union’s Digital Services Act. Furthermore, parents will be required to install state-sanctioned applications, such as Kids Wallet or Gov.gr, to link with their child’s devices and restrict access to social media. These applications are designed to prioritize privacy while using “age tokens” for verification, minimizing the amount of personal data shared.
While the law has faced opposition from minority political parties, it has garnered substantial support from the adult population in Greece, as indicated by recent opinion polls. In 2024, Greece had already taken steps to ban mobile phones in schools, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing child safety in digital environments.
A Step Towards a Larger Movement
Prime Minister Mitsotakis has expressed that Greece aims to lead the charge within the European Union regarding child safety online. This law aligns with recent discussions around the EU Kids Act, which also seeks to safeguard young users but specifies a ban only for those under 13.
Australia holds the unique distinction of being the first country to implement a blanket ban on social media for minors, though the challenges surrounding effective age verification remain unresolved.
As Greece prepares for this significant policy shift, it invites a broader conversation about digital responsibility and the future of social media usage among the youth, possibly shaping similar initiatives across Europe and beyond.