Age limits to curb social media addiction

Greece is preparing to introduce age-based restrictions on social media, aiming to protect minors under 15 from the dangers of digital addiction. 

The move aligns with successful models adopted in Australia and France, where similar age-verification measures have shown promise in curbing overexposure among young users.

The government’s proposal includes a framework for platforms to enforce mandatory age checks, coupled with parental consent requirements for users under 15. The initiative is supported by a report from a scientific committee led by Professor Vasiliki Artinopoulou. Recommendations include launching awareness campaigns, equipping parents with tools for managing screen time, and reworking algorithms to reduce harmful content exposure for minors.

The urgency of the issue was emphasized by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a UN address in September. Citing Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” Mitsotakis highlighted the psychological toll of excessive screen time on children.

To overcome implementation challenges, Greece is seeking support at the European level. Discussions are under way to establish an EU-wide digital maturity age of 15, with corresponding restrictions across all member-states. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou advocated for this initiative during a recent EU Telecommunications Council meeting. Such collaboration is seen as pivotal in pressuring tech giants to adopt robust age-verification systems.

Beyond regulation, the government plans a two-pronged public outreach effort. First, educational campaigns will provide parents with tools to limit screen time. Second, influencers and targeted media ads will encourage teens to use social media responsibly, stressing the motto: “Responsible use doesn’t mean no use.”

Experts warn that enforcing these restrictions could face technical barriers, requiring cooperation from social media platforms and tech companies. However, officials believe the EU’s collective pressure can lead to widespread compliance.

This initiative is part of a broader push to address youth well-being in Greece. Over recent years, measures have included anti-bullying platforms, violence hotlines, and stricter in-school phone use policies.

The government sees these steps as vital in creating a safer, healthier digital environment for the nation’s youth.

With a final proposal expected later this month, Greece is poised to become a leader in safeguarding children from the perils of digital overexposure.