Greece's parliament passed a bill Friday banning children under 15 from using social media platforms, with the measure set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The conservative New Democracy government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, used its majority to secure approval after a debate that stretched into the early hours.

The law requires social media companies to implement reliable age verification methods to prevent access by those born in 2013 or later. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others must comply or face penalties under the European Union's Digital Services Act, which can reach up to 6 percent of global turnover. Existing accounts held by minors will also fall under the restrictions.

Officials cited concerns over the addictive design of social media and its effects on young people's mental health, including rising anxiety and disrupted sleep. The government described the step as necessary support for parents facing algorithms that encourage endless scrolling.

Mitsotakis first announced plans for the ban in April, emphasizing in public statements that the goal was not to cut children off from technology entirely but to curb its harmful aspects. Greece joins a growing list of countries, including Australia, in imposing such limits on minors.

Opposition parties largely rejected the bill. The socialist PASOK abstained after proposing an alternative focused on a lower age threshold and parental controls, while other left-wing and nationalist groups voted against it. The measure aligns with prior Greek steps, such as banning mobile phones in schools.

Implementation will involve state-backed tools like Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet for privacy-preserving age checks. Greece has coordinated with other EU nations on broader age verification standards.

The ban reflects a commitment to prioritizing child development and family authority over unchecked access to digital platforms.