Greece is next as one of the countries to ban access to social media but not for under 16s, rather for under 15. Reuters reported it’ll come into effect in the beginning of next year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the decision followed worries about anxiety and sleep problems rising and what he calls the addictive design of online platforms.
In a video message reported by Reuters, Mitsotakis said, “Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative.” He added, “I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.” An ALCO poll published in February found about 80% backed the ban, according to Reuters.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said platforms that fail to restrict users could have to pay fines under the EU Digital Services Act of up to 6% of global turnover. Reuters reported that Greece cannot yet force platforms to verify users’ ages and is urging parents to assist.
Mitsotakis also wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asking for coordinated EU action, saying national measures alone would not be sufficient to protect minors from internet addiction.
What Happens If These Bans Are Not Effective After All?
Reuters reported that Australia became the first country to ban social media for under 16s in December. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are covered. Meta, Snapchat and TikTok said they believed the Australian ban would not protect young people, though they would comply.
The Commons Library briefing refers to a joint statement from 42 child protection charities and online safety groups. It said a ban for under 16s could have “serious unintended consequences that could put children at greater risk”. The statement described a ban as a “blunt response that fails to address the successive shortcomings of tech companies and governments to act decisively and sooner”.
It continued, “Banning children from social media risks an array of unintended consequences. It would create a false sense of safety that would see children – but also the threats to them – migrate to other areas online.” It added that children aged 16 would face a “dangerous cliffedge” when they first join high risk platforms.
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Professor Emily Setty said a ban “risks misunderstanding both the problem and the solution”. She said bullying and sexism existed before social media and that a blanket ban would treat young people as “a single homogeneous group, ignoring the diversity of their experiences, needs and circumstances”.
If children move to smaller platforms with fewer checks, the original aim of protection may not be achieved. Greece has admitted it cannot compel companies to carry out age verification. Enforcement would depend heavily on technology companies and parents.
What Does The UK Need For A Ban To Be Approved?
According to the Commons Library research briefing, the United Kingdom government opened a consultation on children’s social media use on 2 March 2026. In a statement to the House of Commons, Liz Kendall said the consultation would be “evidence-led, with input from independent experts” and that ministers would “look closely” at Australia.
Parliament has already considered the question. During report stage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in the House of Lords, Lord Nash proposed an amendment to ban under 16s from social media. He said his amendment would require “highly effective age assurance” and allow 12 months for implementation. He described a “health emergency confronting children” and said, “Since 2016, there has been a 477% increase in children’s contact with mental health services.”
Lord Nash added, “There is now so much evidence from across the world that it is clear that, by every metric – health, cognitive ability, educational attainment, crime and economic productivity – children are being harmed.” The Lords backed his amendment, though it was later defeated in the Commons.
Kemi Badenoch has also backed a ban, saying parents cannot be “all-seeing” and that “the vast majority of parents support a ban, however difficult it will be to implement.”
In order for a UK ban to pass, ministers would need majority votes in both Houses, a defined age threshold between 13 and 16 under data protection law with reliable systems for age checks. The government has said there is no dispute about acting, but about how to act. Greece has chosen its model and Britain must decide if it wants the same.
