Greece will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed the plan in a TikTok video posted Wednesday, describing it as a "difficult but necessary" step.

Mitsotakis cited rising anxiety, sleep disturbances, and the addictive algorithms of social media apps as key concerns driving the policy. "The scientific evidence is clear: when children spend long hours in front of screens, the brain does not rest," he stated in the announcement. He noted feedback from parents about children staying up late on phones and from youths feeling exhausted by constant online comparisons and pressure.

The legislation will pass through parliament this summer, with platforms required to implement age restrictions by the new year or face fines up to 6% of global annual turnover under the EU Digital Services Act. Enforcement will leverage existing EU and Greek verification tools, though the government currently lacks authority to mandate checks directly. Parents are urged to monitor usage in the interim. The ban targets social media but spares messaging apps.

Public backing runs high, with a February ALCO poll showing 80% approval for restrictions. Many parents expressed relief, with one mother telling Reuters she had exhausted other options to curb her 14-year-old son's screen time. Greece already bans phones in schools and offers parental control apps.

Mitsotakis wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocating an EU-wide "digital age of majority" at 15, including mandatory verification updated every six months and unified penalties by late 2026. He argued national efforts alone fall short against global platforms.

The move aligns with global trends. Australia enacted the first under-16 ban in December, prompting compliance from TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat despite their doubts on effectiveness. France, Denmark, the UK, and others are advancing similar measures amid evidence linking social media to youth mental health issues.