The landscape is changing for parents and children in Greece. On October 22, 2026, the Greek Parliament passed a bill banning children under the age of 15 from using social media. According to the official government timeline, the measure is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. This means that the passage of the bill does not mean it will take effect immediately.
What the Parliament Decided
The bill was debated in the plenary session on October 22 and passed by a majority vote. The government’s presentation of the framework outlines a ban on access to social media services covered by the regulation for those under the age of 15. The responsibility for age verification falls on the platforms.
This does not mean that every minor’s account will be automatically closed as of today. There will be a transition period leading up to the scheduled implementation date. Parents will need to follow the specific instructions that will be announced for each service.
How will age be verified?
Under the announced plan, platforms are required to use reliable and proportionate methods of age verification. Examples of such tools include Gov.gr Wallet and Kids Wallet, which use age-based restrictions and limit the sharing of personal data to what is strictly necessary.
This does not mean that every app will require a photo ID or that a uniform procedure has already been implemented across all platforms. The exact practical implementation and technical procedures must be confirmed by official announcements and the platforms themselves.
What about the European debate on the age of 16?
That is a different matter. The European Parliament has proposed a common digital age limit of 16, with access permitted for 13–16-year-olds with parental consent. This proposal does not override the Greek legislation regarding those under 15, nor does it in and of itself constitute a uniform European rule that is already in effect.
What should parents do today?
- Talk to your child about which apps they have accounts on and what content they’re viewing.
- Check their privacy, messaging, and profile visibility settings together.
- Do not share information that reveals your child’s school, address, location, or schedule.
- Explain that suspicious messages, threats, and requests for photos should be reported immediately to a trusted adult.
- Check with official sources for information on age verification procedures when they are announced.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaway is simple: Greece has passed a law restricting social media use for children under 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The specifics of how these measures will be implemented will be clarified through official announcements. Until then, dialogue and the protection of children’s privacy remain essential.
Sources: Ministry of Health, announcement October 12, 2026 · Hellenic Parliament · ERT, October 23, 2026.