Greek Parliament Bans Social Media for Under-15s

The Greek parliament has enacted legislation banning the use of social media platforms by individuals younger than 15 years old. The measure received final approval following intense debate that spanned from Thursday into Friday.

Legislative Process and Political Support

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis initially unveiled plans for this restriction in April, utilizing TikTok to explain the move as "difficult but necessary." His conservative New Democracy party leveraged its parliamentary majority to pass the bill, according to reports from the Athens News Agency (ANA). No other political parties offered support for the government’s proposal during the session.

The opposition PASOK socialist party abstained from voting after proposing an alternative framework. Their suggestion would have banned social media for those under 13 while requiring parental oversight for users aged 13 to 14. Meanwhile, various leftist and nationalist parties voted against the government's draft.

Implementation Details and Global Context

Scheduled to take effect on January 1, the new law mandates that social networks verify user ages. It also imposes strict penalties on companies that fail to comply with these regulations.

Greece joins a growing list of nations addressing youth digital access. Australia was the first country to implement a ban on social media for those under 16. According to a tally by Agence France-Presse, more than 20 countries have now adopted similar laws.

Criticism and Public Health Concerns

Critics argue that social media algorithms contribute to screen addiction among children, warning that excessive platform usage may harm mental health. Conversely, free speech advocates have opposed such restrictions, while some observers question the overall effectiveness of these regulatory measures.