ATHENS, Feb. 3, 2026 (GeokHub) — Greece is preparing to announce a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, a senior government official said on Tuesday, as concern grows across Europe about the impact of digital platforms on young users.
The proposed measure, described as close to official approval, would prohibit minors under 15 from accessing social networking platforms, signaling one of the strictest digital youth protection policies in the European Union. Greek authorities are expected to formalize the policy soon, potentially making Greece among the first EU countries to set a digital age limit well above the current standards for online services.
The announcement follows similar proposals elsewhere in the region. Spain, for instance, has revealed plans to ban social media access for users under 16, along with new laws that would hold social media executives personally accountable for harmful content such as hate speech.
Greece’s move reflects growing debates over the effects of social media on children’s mental health, development, and safety. Governments and child welfare advocates across Europe have cited concerns about addiction, exposure to harmful material, and difficulties in enforcing age verification on global tech platforms.
While full details of the Greek policy — including enforcement mechanisms and implementation timelines — have yet to be released, the government’s progress suggests a tightening regulatory environment in which lawmakers aim to balance digital access with protective safeguards for minors.
