Greece to Ban Social Media for Under-15s in 2027

Prime Minister announces plan to lock out youth from platforms amid concerns over mental health and addictive design

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:30pm

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing, neon-lit social media interface with abstract digital elements, representing the Greek government's efforts to regulate youth access to these platforms.As Greece moves to restrict under-15s from social media, a glowing digital landscape reflects the government's efforts to curb the platforms' influence on youth mental health.NYC Today

The Greek government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms starting on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cited rising anxiety, sleep issues, and addictive design as reasons for the measure, which has strong domestic support. Social media companies will be expected to block underage accounts or face penalties of up to 6% of global revenue.

Why it matters

The move follows similar bans in other countries like Australia, though compliance has been a challenge, with many young people finding ways to circumvent the restrictions. The Greek ban aims to push the European Union to consider similar measures, raising questions about the effectiveness of age limits and the broader debate around regulating social media's impact on youth mental health.

The details

Under the plan, social media platforms will be required to block accounts belonging to users under 15 years old starting in 2027. Parliament is expected to vote on the ban in mid-2026, with little opposition anticipated. The measure comes with strong domestic support, with around 80% of Greeks favoring the restrictions according to a February poll.

  • Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced the plan in a TikTok video on April 8, 2026.
  • The ban is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The Prime Minister of Greece who announced the plan to ban social media for under-15s.

European Union

The Greek government aims to push the EU to consider similar measures restricting social media access for youth across the continent.

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What’s next

Parliament is expected to vote on the ban in mid-2026, with the measure set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The takeaway

The Greek government's plan to ban social media for under-15s highlights the growing global concern over the mental health and addictive impacts of these platforms on youth. While compliance has proven challenging in other countries, the move aims to push the EU to consider similar measures, reigniting the debate around effective regulation of social media's influence on young people.