Greece moves to ban social media for under-15s in bold digital shift📵

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The announcement was made on April 8 by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. It came through a video posted on TikTok — a symbolic move that marks a major turning point in the country’s digital policy.

Greece moves to protect its minors 🛡️

The Greek government now aims to shield children under 15 from the harmful effects and excesses of social media. The measure targets platforms that are extremely popular among young users, including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Threads, X, Twitch, and Kick.

To make this initiative more impactful, Athens plans to push for its adoption across the European Union.

“We have decided to move forward with a difficult but necessary measure: banning access to social media for children under 15,” the Prime Minister stated.

In this broader momentum, countries like France, Denmark, and Spain are also showing interest in tightening digital regulations for younger audiences. However, according to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, “Greece is among the first countries in the world to adopt such a measure.”

Between concern and the need for regulation ⚖️

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among young people and some families.

“I know some of you will be upset (…). Our goal is not to push you away from technology, but to fight the addiction to certain apps that harms your innocence and your freedom,” the Prime Minister explained.

Through this policy, authorities hope to restore a healthier balance in young people’s lives — encouraging mental rest and reducing excessive screen exposure. This approach aligns with public health recommendations that advocate for moderated digital usage among children.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, alongside Minister of State Akis Skertsos, clarified during a conference that the concrete methods for detection and enforcement will be detailed at a later stage.

Necessary regulation or excessive restriction ❓

As Greece takes a bold step toward stricter regulation of minors’ access to social media, the debate is far from settled.
Many are now asking: should we protect children by limiting their digital access, or are we restricting their freedom in an increasingly connected world?

What do you think — is this a step forward for child protection, or a move too restrictive for the digital age?

Source : Le monde