Greece to Impose Social Media Ban for Under-15s from Next Year
Greece will implement a ban on social media access for under-15s from January next year, becoming the latest European nation to introduce such a restriction. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the measure, highlighting its aim to tackle rising anxiety, sleep problems, and the 'addictive design' of online platforms affecting young people.
European Momentum for Youth Protection
This initiative places Greece alongside countries like France, Austria, and Spain, which are pursuing similar curbs. The UK government is currently consulting on a potential ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are also considering comparable measures. Australia has already mandated the removal of accounts held by under-16s on major platforms, with severe fines for non-compliance.
Mitsotakis stated that many young people feel exhausted by constant comparisons and the pressure to be online, emphasising that while technology offers inspiration, the business model of certain applications 'takes away your innocence and your freedom.' He stressed the government's intention to push for a common EU framework, proposing mandatory age verification for under-15s across all platforms, a pan-European ban for this age group, and bi-annual age re-checks for users.
Industry Response and Mental Health Concerns
Social media companies, including Meta and Google, argue that blanket bans are ineffective, challenging to enforce, and could potentially isolate vulnerable teenagers. Reddit is currently contesting Australia's law in court. The debate around children's social media use has intensified amid increasing evidence of its detrimental impact on mental health, exemplified by a recent US trial where Meta and YouTube were found liable for a woman's childhood addiction to social media.
