Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Greece is advocating for a coordinated European approach to limit social media access for younger teens, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urging a bloc-wide rule that would apply to children under 15.
In a message to Ursula von der Leyen, Mitsotakis stressed that action by individual countries would not be enough to tackle the risks tied to heavy online use among minors. He proposed that all European Union member states agree on a shared framework by the end of 2026, creating consistent protections across the region.
His proposal would set 15 as the minimum age for independent use of social media platforms across the EU. It also calls for a standardized age verification system that platforms would be required to use, with regular checks suggested twice a year to ensure users meet the age requirement. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties enforced through a joint EU coordination system.
At the national level, Greece is moving forward with its own restriction, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027. Lawmakers are expected to review the proposal later this year. The plan builds on earlier policies introduced by the government, including a ban on mobile phones in primary and secondary schools.
Other countries are exploring similar measures. Australia has already implemented a nationwide ban for users under 16, while the United Kingdom is considering its own restrictions.
The push for limits has drawn criticism, especially from U.S. officials and major technology companies that operate social platforms. Even so, Mitsotakis has framed the issue as an important regulatory priority, pointing to concerns about app designs that encourage extended use and may harm children’s well-being.
In a message directed at younger audiences, he acknowledged that the policy might seem unfair but argued that safeguards are necessary. He pointed to the way some platforms are built to capture attention for long periods, which he believes can take away from young people’s time, independence, and healthy development.
