Greece plans to ban social media access for children under 15

Wednesday 08 April 2026 - 11:00

Greece is set to introduce strict new regulations limiting young people’s access to social media platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that children under the age of 15 will be banned from accessing social networks starting January 1, 2027.

The measure, described as “difficult but necessary,” aims to strengthen the protection of minors in an increasingly digital environment. The legislation is expected to be approved during the summer before coming into force at the beginning of 2027. According to the government, the country will be among the first in the world to adopt such a restriction.

Beyond national action, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is also advocating for a broader European approach. In a letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, he stressed that national measures alone would not be sufficient.

The proposal calls for the creation of a unified regulatory framework across the European Union by the end of 2026. A key element is the introduction of a “digital majority” age set at 15, below which access to social media platforms would be restricted across member states.

Additionally, the plan includes stricter obligations for platforms, such as mandatory age verification checks every six months. These measures aim to ensure better compliance and reinforce safeguards for younger users.

The initiative reflects growing concern among policymakers worldwide about the impact of social media on children’s well-being, privacy, and mental health, as governments increasingly explore regulatory solutions.