Greece will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced this week. The move aims to address rising mental health concerns linked to excessive screen time, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and the addictive nature of digital platforms.
In a video message directed at youth, Mitsotakis emphasized that prolonged screen exposure disrupts cognitive rest and amplifies social pressures through constant online comparisons. He cited conversations with parents nationwide who reported heightened anxiety and phone dependency among their children.
A February 2026 poll by ALCO revealed approximately 80% public support for the ban. Greece has already implemented mobile phone bans in schools and introduced parental control tools to curb teenage screen time. "Our goal is to lead Europe toward prioritizing youth well-being in the digital age," Mitsotakis stated, signaling plans to advocate for similar EU-wide measures.
Slovenia, Britain, Austria, and Spain are reportedly exploring comparable restrictions, following Australia’s 2025 decision to block social media access for users under 16.
