Greece has moved to align itself with an international trend toward stricter controls on young people's use of social media, joining a growing number of countries that are tightening rules aimed at protecting minors from online harms.
Officials framed the shift as a response to mounting public concern about what they describe as addictive patterns of use among children and adolescents. The measures are being positioned as part of broader efforts to safeguard young people's mental health and development in the digital age.
The policy debate has centered on how best to limit young users' exposure without unduly restricting access to information or parental choice. That discussion has included consideration of regulatory approaches ranging from age limits and verification systems to restrictions on particular platform features, though policymakers face practical and legal challenges in designing enforceable rules.
Industry groups, child welfare advocates and civil liberties organisations have different views on the best course of action, and experts warn that any regulation will require clear definitions and mechanisms for implementation. Enforcement, cross-border jurisdiction and the technical difficulty of confirming users' ages are among the obstacles cited by observers.
Greece's step highlights the wider international scrutiny of social media companies and the balance governments are attempting to strike between protecting children and preserving digital freedoms. Further policy decisions and legislative proposals are expected as governments continue to weigh evidence and public opinion on the issue.