The Greek government is mulling over a new law on social media that would adopt much stricter rules regarding online access to platforms for teenagers under the age of 15.
Speaking to Skai TV on Wednesday, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Sofia Zacharaki stressed the idea was being assessed as part of a more extensive framework to address online threats and bullying.
Zacharaki said that the first phase would involve activating keyword filters on an application across all social media platforms to enhance parental control aimed at blocking adolescents from accessing offensive or harmful content, adding that the Ministries of Education, Digital Governance, and Family were cooperating in conjunction on the matter.
“We are addressing all digital platforms. These keywords will serve as a horizontal framework governing the use of digital media,” she said.
Justifying the plan to cover the whole social media landscape and not only specific pages, she said alternative spaces, such as so-called ‘dark rooms,’ may still be accessible to children, which often escape attention.
Commenting on the parents’ views on the initiative, the minister acknowledged mixed reactions. “Parents express serious concerns but are reluctant to limit their children’s socialization through technology,” she pointed out. “There is a fine line between ensuring safety and allowing freedom. Technology can be both a threat and a tool for safeguarding against misuse,” she added.
Zacharaki emphasized that the “digital threat” presents a dual challenge. “Children not only become overly attached to digital media and social networks but also risk significant isolation. This can lead to dual dangers: depression and digital isolation, where children believe they have friends in a virtual world while neglecting real-life interactions.”
Referring to Australia’s nationwide ban on social media for minors, she stated that the Greek government had banned mobile phones in schools with severe penalties for violations. “The Prime Minister has made it clear that even stricter measures will be introduced. Whether a complete ban at the European level is feasible remains uncertain. However, there is a concerted effort across all countries to tighten restrictions for children under the age of 15.”
Recently, the Australian parliament passed a law banning teenagers under 16 from using social media. Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that legislation was drafted to address what he claimed was a “clear, causal link between the rise of social media and the harm [to] the mental health of young Australians.”
