Greece to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15 by 2027

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that children aged 15 and under will be banned from using social media starting January 1, 2027. This decision follows consultations with parents and young people who expressed concerns about sleep disruption, increased stress, and excessive mobile phone use among children.

Mitsotakis cited scientific evidence indicating that prolonged screen time prevents proper brain rest. He acknowledged that while the ban may face pushback from younger generations, it is a necessary measure to protect children.

The Prime Minister explained that a regulatory framework for the ban will be introduced in the summer of 2026, with the aim of implementing the ban at the start of the new year. The announcement has sparked online debate, with supporters praising the government's focus on child welfare, while critics argue that enforcing the ban may be challenging in practice.