Greece is set to introduce a ban on social media for children under 15, as part of efforts to safeguard youth from digital risks.
Greek officials have announced plans to implement a ban on social media platforms for children under 15, according to reports from Bloomberg. The legislation, if passed, would require social media companies to enforce age restrictions and prevent access for minors in this age group.
This initiative stems from increasing evidence of negative effects of social media on children's mental health, including issues like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. Greek lawmakers cite studies showing higher rates of anxiety and depression among young users.
Under the proposed rules, parents or guardians would need to verify a child's age, potentially using government-issued identification. Social media firms could face fines for non-compliance, though specific penalties remain undisclosed.
The ban aligns with similar measures in other European countries, such as France's restrictions on screen time for schoolchildren. Greece's move reflects a broader European Union push for stricter digital regulations under the Digital Services Act.
Experts in child psychology have linked excessive social media use to sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity in children. The Greek government argues that limiting access will encourage more outdoor play and face-to-face interactions.
Implementation Challenges
Enforcing the ban could involve technical solutions like age-verification algorithms, but challenges include privacy concerns and the ease of bypassing restrictions with VPNs. It remains unclear how this will affect educational uses of social media in schools.
Reactions from tech companies have been mixed; for instance, Meta Platforms has previously opposed similar bans, calling for better parental controls instead. The Greek proposal is expected to be debated in parliament soon, with potential implementation by late 2026.
Global Context
Around the world, countries like Australia have introduced age limits for social media, setting precedents that Greece may follow. This ban could influence other nations to adopt similar policies, highlighting a global shift toward protecting children online.
