The Greek government has unveiled a bill that would restrict access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15, citing growing concerns over the impact of excessive online activity on minors.

The proposed legislation was presented at a joint press conference by Minister of State Akis Skertsos, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.

Skertsos said existing measures adopted by social media companies have failed to provide adequate protection for children, stressing that stronger legal safeguards are needed to address the risks associated with excessive social media use.

Age verification to become mandatory

Papastergiou said the legislation has been drafted in line with European Union rules and is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by parliament.

Under the proposal, social media platforms will be required to introduce effective age-verification mechanisms to prevent children under 15 from accessing their services. The restrictions will also apply to accounts already created by children before the law enters into force, requiring them to undergo age verification.

The bill is expected to be debated in parliament later this month before lawmakers vote on its final adoption.

Government cites rising use among children

Health Minister Georgiadis said more than half of children aged between 10 and 12 already have at least one social media account, while one in four of those children spend excessive amounts of time on social networking platforms.

Greek officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to protect children's mental health, reduce digital addiction and promote safer internet use.

The government also expressed support for wider European initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection online through common age-verification standards and closer regulation of digital platforms across the European Union.(ILKHA)