Greece Poised to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Amid Growing Concerns

Greek mother Georgia Efstathiou has been battling the influence of social media on her 14-year-old son. She's tried heart-to-heart talks, internet-free time, and even confiscating his phone, but to no avail.

Now, the Greek government may provide the help she needs. It's expected to announce a social media ban for children under 15, joining other nations in efforts to shield young users from addiction and online abuse. This anticipated move has garnered wide public support, evidenced by an opinion poll indicating that about 80% of those surveyed favor the ban. The government has already banned mobile phones in schools and introduced parental control platforms to curb screen time.

While details of the ban's execution remain undisclosed, it aligns with global trends. Greece follows in the footsteps of countries like Australia, which imposed regulations to keep users under 16 off social media platforms in December. Concerns run high on the potential harms of social media, including addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation, prompting government action.