Greece Bans Social Media for Under-15s, Enforcing It Through Parenting App

The new law transforms family devices into government-backed enforcement tools, sparking a global digital parenting revolution.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a smartphone or tablet device connected by a luminous digital tether to a larger parental control interface, conveying the concept of government-backed device authentication and oversight of youth social media access.Greece's new social media ban for under-15s transforms family devices into legal enforcement mechanisms, sparking a global digital parenting revolution.Los Angeles Today

Greece has implemented a sweeping social media ban for under-15s, forcing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to verify user ages or face hefty fines. The enforcement mechanism centers on the existing 'Kids Wallet' app, which links children's devices directly to parental accounts, creating an unbreakable digital tether that platforms must recognize. This represents a shift from platform self-regulation to state-mandated parental control integration, with similar measures advancing across Europe, Australia, and the US.

Why it matters

The ban targets 'endless scrolling' platforms designed to fuel teen anxiety and sleep disruption, treating social media access like driving privileges that must be earned through age. This reflects growing global concern over the mental health impacts of unchecked social media use among youth, and a push for governments to take a more active role in regulating digital platforms.

The details

Under the new law, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat face mandatory age gates, while YouTube remains accessible due to its educational and communication value. Platforms must verify user ages or face fines up to 6% of global revenue under EU Digital Services Act provisions. The 'Kids Wallet' app creates a government-backed device authentication system, making circumvention nearly impossible.

  • On April 8, 2026, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the new social media restrictions via TikTok video.
  • The ban will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The Prime Minister of Greece, who announced the new social media restrictions.

Kids Wallet

A parenting app used by the Greek government to enforce the social media ban by linking children's devices to parental accounts.

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What they’re saying

“Science is clear: when a child is in front of screens for hours, their brain does not rest.”

— Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.