Greece will ban social media access for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced.
Explaining the reasoning behind the move, Mitsotakis said he hopes it will address rising anxiety, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms.
In a video message to young people, Mr Mitsotakis highlighted that prolonged screen time prevents minds from resting and subjects children to growing pressure from constant comparison and online comments.
He noted that many parents had reported their children struggling with sleep, experiencing heightened anxiety, and spending excessive hours on their phones.
An ALCO opinion poll published in February showed approximately 80 per cent of those surveyed approved of such a ban.
The Greek government has already outlawed mobile phones in schools and set up parental control platforms to limit teenagers’ screen time.
“Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative,” Mr Mitsotakis stated.
“I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.”
Slovenia, Britain, Austria and Spain have also indicated they are working on similar bans, following Australia, which became the first country globally to block access for under-16s last year.
It was announced last month that hundreds of teenagers across the UK would be participating in a government trial of social media bans, time limits and curfews, with ministers weighing up potential measures to enhance children’s online safety.
The six-week pilot programme, spearheaded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), involves 300 young people aged 13 to 17.
The trial is testing various restrictions on participants’ social media usage, with researchers monitoring the effects on their schoolwork, sleep patterns, and family life.
The programme is due to conclude on 26 May.