Christina Georgaki is the founder and Managing Partner of Georgaki and Partners Law Firm. She sits on the Political Committee of New Democracy in Greece.
Greece’s new social media ban shows initiative from both the government and people to take control of children’s mental and physical health, providing necessary safety to our youth as they navigate the online world. More broadly, it positions Greece as leading the way in Europe on child online safety policy, at a time when several countries are beginning to move in the same direction.
As a mother and a lawyer, the issue of children’s social media use is a deeply personal one. Experts agree that the unregulated use of social media among children can cause stress, depression, sleep loss and long-term social issues. Considering these consequences, a ban appears not simply precautionary, but necessary.
This debate is not unique to Greece. Across Europe and beyond, governments are beginning to respond to the same concerns. France, for example, has started legislating in this area, and a survey across France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain showed growing public support for restrictions, with France recording the highest approval. In Greece, there is similarly strong support, suggesting a wider European shift towards protecting children in a rapidly evolving digital environment rather than an isolated national policy.
Greece has also already taken earlier action, having outlawed mobile phone use in schools last year, and now extending this approach with a social media ban. This is particularly relevant to the UK, given the recent introduction of mobile phone bans in schools, and may indicate the direction many countries are moving in. The Greek Prime Minister has further stated that Athens would lead the charge in urging the EU to standardise online age verification tools by 2027, and has written to Ursula von der Leyen on this issue, reinforcing Greece’s emerging leadership role in Europe.
Many critique the introduction of the ban, calling upon parents to independently control their children’s use of social media. Allowing parents to opt in or out maintains the discussion between parents and children about social media use. This often leads to isolation for both. Children may feel isolated from their peers particularly when social media becomes the primary form of communication, whereas parents may feel overly strict in comparison to others. The 80% support for the ban shows that parents want help shouldering the burden that they have been facing for so long.
A universal approach is therefore essential. Removing the option for parents to opt in or opt out establishes a consistent framework that supports both children and families. Such a ban reduces the burden on parents, sets a clear precedent for social media use, and creates a level playing field for all children, fostering a more supportive environment.
The case for government intervention is further strengthened by evidence. As children’s brains are still developing, they are particularly vulnerable – not only to addictive algorithms, but also to the negative effects associated with excessive use, including declining academic performance, poorer mental health, and reduced concentration.
The value of the ban is the framework that it sets to protect young people, signalling clearly that children’s wellbeing is a public concern, while additionally instating a precedent for Greece, and potentially for wider European action, around the regulation of social media use.
As a mother of two daughters, one who is almost a teenager, I understand the difficulty of guiding children through a world increasingly shaped by rapidly evolving technology. This policy offers protection, supporting children through important stages of development. Ultimately, this ban is not restriction for its own sake, but to help children as they develop. Providing the support for an environment that prioritises their wellbeing and promotes their potential.