Greece’s parliament has approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, as the country steps up efforts to protect minors from potential harm linked to excessive online activity.
The ban will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving technology companies a limited period to develop systems for verifying users’ ages and ensuring compliance with the new restrictions.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said social media platforms had about two and a half months to establish age-verification mechanisms that would also protect users’ privacy.
The legislation comes amid growing concerns among governments and child welfare advocates about the effects of social media on young people, including its potential impact on sleep, concentration, mental well-being and relationships.
The Greek government has argued that excessive social media use can encourage children to spend long periods scrolling through online content at the expense of sleep, schoolwork and time with friends.
The restriction is part of a broader international push to introduce tougher rules governing children’s access to social media, with governments increasingly considering age limits and stronger safeguards for younger users.
Australia became the first country to pass legislation restricting minors’ access to social media last year. Greece’s move follows that decision as other countries examine ways to reduce children’s exposure to online risks.
France also passed a similar law, but the country’s Constitutional Council struck it down in August, highlighting the legal and regulatory challenges governments can face when restricting minors’ access to digital platforms.
Greece is also among seven European Union countries working with the European Commission to develop an age-verification solution for online services.
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Under such systems, platforms would need to establish whether users meet the required age threshold before allowing them to access restricted services. However, the use of age-verification technology also raises questions about privacy, data protection and how platforms can confirm a user’s age without collecting excessive personal information.
The Greek government has presented the ban as a measure to help parents address what it describes as endless scrolling and its effects on children’s daily lives.
The new law will require social media companies to prepare for the January 2027 implementation date, although the practical effectiveness of the restrictions will depend on how age checks are enforced and whether children can circumvent them.
The move adds to mounting pressure on major technology companies, including operators of popular social networking platforms, to take greater responsibility for protecting young users.
As more countries consider similar restrictions, governments face the challenge of balancing child protection with privacy rights and young people’s access to digital communication, educational resources and online communities.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
