Greece has become the latest country to pass legislation restricting children's access to social media, joining a growing international effort to protect young people from online harm.
The Greek Parliament approved the bill on Friday, banning children under 15 from using social media platforms.
The restrictions are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The decision follows concerns about excessive screen time, online bullying, harmful content and the possible effects of social media on children's mental health.
Why Greece is Taking Action
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans for the ban in April, describing it as a "difficult but necessary" measure.
The government says excessive social media use can deprive children of sleep, reduce their concentration and leave them with less time for friendships and other activities.
The legislation will require platforms to introduce age-verification measures while protecting users' privacy.
The bill passed after a parliamentary debate.
Mitsotakis' conservative New Democracy party used its majority to secure approval, while opposition parties did not support the measure.
A February poll reported by the Greek newspaper Kathimerini found that about 80% of Greeks supported the proposed restriction.
However, 57% believed children would find ways around it.
Australia Set the Pace
Australia became the first country to enforce a nationwide social media minimum-age restriction when its law took effect on Dec. 10, 2025.
The law requires covered platforms to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts.
Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
The Australian government says the restrictions are intended to protect children from harmful content and platform features that encourage excessive screen time.
However, the policy has received mixed reactions.
Some parents and child advocates welcomed the move, while technology companies and free-speech advocates criticised it.
Some teenagers also expressed concern about losing access to their accounts, although others said they were less worried.
UK Plans Similar Restrictions
The United Kingdom has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, with implementation expected in spring 2027.
The British government said its consultation found that nine in 10 parents supported the proposed ban.
Two-thirds of young people also supported restricting under-16s' access to at least some social media platforms.
The government says the measures are intended to protect children from harmful online features.
However, the proposed restrictions are not yet in force.
The Philippines is also pursuing restrictions.
Its House of Representatives approved a bill on Oct. 12 to prohibit children under 13 from accessing social media.
The measure still requires further legislative steps and presidential approval.
Nigeria Also Considering Age Limits
Nigeria has not announced a blanket social media ban for children.
In March 2026, the Federal Government invited public feedback on possible measures to improve children's online safety, including age restrictions and stronger age-verification requirements.
The government identified cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation and misuse of personal data among the risks facing children online.
It also sought views on platform accountability and stronger regulatory oversight.
Nigeria's proposal remains at the consultation stage, while Australia has implemented its restrictions and Greece has passed legislation scheduled to take effect in 2027.
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