Greece has announced plans to ban access to social media for under-15s, making it the latest European country to restrict children's exposure to online platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the initiative aims to tackle rising anxiety and sleep issues among young people, as well as the addictive design of social media. This ban is set to take effect in January of next year.
Recently, Australia became the first country to mandate the removal of accounts held by under-16s on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, prompting other nations, including France and Spain, to pursue similar regulations. The UK is currently consulting on a possible ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are also considering such measures.
Social media companies argue that blanket bans are ineffective and challenging to enforce, which has led to ongoing debates about the potential isolation of vulnerable teens. Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for the ban, highlighting that many young people feel pressured from online comparisons. He stressed that the objective is not to alienate youths from technology but to address issues stemming from the compulsive nature of certain platforms.
Mitsotakis called for a common EU framework to support national initiatives aimed at protecting minors and proposed a requirement for platforms to verify users' ages every six months. He stated that addressing these issues is crucial to prevent the undermining of adolescence by the pervasive nature of social media.
Recently, Australia became the first country to mandate the removal of accounts held by under-16s on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, prompting other nations, including France and Spain, to pursue similar regulations. The UK is currently consulting on a possible ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are also considering such measures.
Social media companies argue that blanket bans are ineffective and challenging to enforce, which has led to ongoing debates about the potential isolation of vulnerable teens. Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for the ban, highlighting that many young people feel pressured from online comparisons. He stressed that the objective is not to alienate youths from technology but to address issues stemming from the compulsive nature of certain platforms.
Mitsotakis called for a common EU framework to support national initiatives aimed at protecting minors and proposed a requirement for platforms to verify users' ages every six months. He stated that addressing these issues is crucial to prevent the undermining of adolescence by the pervasive nature of social media.
