Greece has announced its plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The ban will be enforced through a new application called Kids Wallet, which will prevent access to certain online platforms once parents activate the settings.

This move makes Greece the first European Union country to introduce such a law, similar to a  path taken by Australia. These new rules are part of  EU discussions on how best to protect the young people online.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at an event in Australia, noted that the unregulated use of social media by children was dangerous. 

How the Ban Will Work

The ban will not be placed directly on websites or apps but on the devices themselves. Parents will be responsible for activating security protocols that identify the user of the device as being under 16. Then, the Kids Wallet application will automatically limit  access to social media, adult content, and gambling platforms.

For older teenagers, the restrictions will continue in some areas. Those aged 16 and 17 will be blocked from accessing online gambling sites, content promoting alcohol, cigarettes, and pornography. The Greek government hopes the new rules would create a safer online space for young people and protect them from potentially harmful products and services.

EU Commission Supports Age Verification Tests

The EU has been trying out different ways to introduce stricter age verifications across Europe, and this Greece’s move aligns with it. 

The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen previously announced that France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, and Italy would take part in trials to identify how such systems could be introduced.

The goal is to develop technology that can be integrated into apps and devices to ensure that children cannot bypass age restrictions. With this new law, Greece has become the first country in the European Union ready to put these tests into real effect.

Protecting Young People from Risks

The Greek government has explicitly stated that the goal is to protect young ones from the risks of the digital world. Apart from concerns about social media, gambling has also been highlighted as a major issue.

In early 2025, the Hellenic Gaming Commission partnered with Mindway AI to launch a gamified self-test. This tool allows people to check their own gambling behaviour and identifies possible problems. With the new ban, Greece aims to go a step further by preventing young people from being exposed to gambling sites altogether.

By introducing the ban, Greece is sending a strong message about the importance of online safety for children. While the decision may spark debate, it also reflects growing concerns around Europe about how social media and online gambling are affecting the younger generation.