Greece is making waves with a bold new policy: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced today that children under 15 will be banned from social media platforms starting January 1, 2027. The move aims to tackle rising youth anxiety, sleep disorders, and what Mitsotakis called the 'digital traps' of addictive app designs. 🧠💤
In a video message to young Greeks, the PM highlighted how endless scrolling and comparison culture are reshaping childhood: 'Our kids’ minds never truly rest. They’re caught between TikTok trends and Instagram likes instead of playgrounds and friendships.' 🎮→📱
The government isn’t new to screen-time battles – they’ve already banned phones in schools and rolled out parental control tools. A February 2026 poll by ALCO found 80% public support for stricter measures. One parent told researchers: 'My daughter stays up until 2 AM live-streaming. This can’t continue.'
Greece joins a growing global club: Australia blocked under-16s last year, while Slovenia, Spain, and the UK are drafting similar laws. Mitsotakis vowed to 'lead Europe toward healthier digital habits,' signaling a likely push for EU-wide regulations. 🇪🇺🔜
While critics debate enforcement logistics (how do you verify ages online?), mental health advocates are cheering. As one Athens teen put it: 'Maybe we’ll finally learn to talk face-to-face again.' 👥✨
