• Greece will ban social media for children under 15 starting January 1, 2027.
• Prime Minister Mitsotakis cites rising anxiety and sleep issues among youths as key reasons.
• Countries like Australia, Austria, Spain, and others are considering similar measures.
• Public support for the ban is significant, with 80% approval in recent surveys.
• Mitsotakis plans to push for a European-level framework on this issue.

Greece has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need for this measure due to the rising levels of anxiety, sleep problems, and the addictive design of social media platforms among young people. In a video message to youth, he described the situation as a critical challenge that must be addressed, stating, "Many young people tell me they feel exhausted from comparisons, from comments, from the pressure to always be online," according to Reuters, Le Monde, and BBC.

Mitsotakis noted that this decision is challenging yet crucial for protecting children's mental health and was influenced by conversations with concerned parents. A recent ALCO opinion poll indicated that approximately 80% of respondents support the ban. The Greek government had already taken prior steps, including outlawing mobile phone usage in schools and implementing parental control platforms. Greece aims to spearhead a broader initiative across the European Union, with Mitsotakis asserting, "I am certain, however, that it will not be the last," according to Reuters and Le Monde.

As international discussions intensify, several other countries, including Australia, Spain, and Austria, are considering similar restrictions on social media usage by minors. Australia has already implemented fines for platforms neglecting to remove underage accounts. France and Denmark are also contemplating the introduction of measures to limit youth exposure to social media platforms. Mitsotakis aims to collaborate with the European Union on a regulatory framework to enforce these restrictions effectively across member states, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and BBC.