Greece is planning to ban social media for kids under 15

Greece is preparing to take one of the most aggressive stances yet on youth social media use. Starting January 1, 2027, children under the age of 15 will be banned from accessing social media platforms. The announcement came from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who shared the news in a video posted directly to TikTok-an ironic choice, given the platform's appeal to younger users.

The decision follows growing concern about the mental health impacts of constant online engagement. Officials pointed to rising rates of anxiety, disrupted sleep, and attention issues among young people, which they say are worsened by the addictive design of many apps. The government plans to work with tech companies and regulators to enforce age verification and ensure compliance across platforms popular with Greek youth.

While the law won't take effect until 2027, the announcement has already sparked debate. Supporters say it's a bold step toward protecting childhood in a digital age, especially as other countries struggle to respond with anything more than guidelines or half-measures. Critics, however, question how enforceable the ban will be and worry it could push kids toward less visible or more secretive online spaces.

The use of TikTok to deliver the message added a layer of public intrigue. Some saw it as a savvy way to reach both parents and teens where they already are. Others called it contradictory-using the very tool being restricted to announce its restriction. Still, the move underscores how seriously the government wants to be taken on the issue.

Greece isn't alone in considering tighter controls. Several countries, including the UK and members of the EU, have floated similar rules around age limits and data privacy for minors. But Greece's clear timeline and firm age cutoff make it one of the first to set a concrete deadline, potentially setting a precedent for others.

How the ban will be policed remains unclear. Will it rely on ID checks? Parental oversight? App store cooperation? Officials say details will be released later this year, but enforcement across global platforms may require new technical and diplomatic coordination.

For now, the message is clear: Greece believes childhood should include more face-to-face time and less screen time. Whether other nations follow suit may depend on how smoothly the rollout goes-and what impact it actually has on kids' well-being.