In a TikTok post, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis explains what the age ban is – the prohibition of social media use for minors under 15 years old, which was announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday morning (8/4). Referring to the social media ban for children under 15, Pavlos Marinakis emphasizes: “What is the age ban, exactly? What does a social media prohibition mean? Who does it affect and from when?”.
Read: Official: Mitsotakis announces social media block for minors under 15 – His announcement
Pavlos Marinakis: Children under 15 “will not be able to use specific platforms”
As Pavlos Marinakis notes regarding social media: “From January 1st, 2027, children born from 2012 onwards will not be able to use specific platforms. Why 2012? Because those born in 2012 turn 15 in 2027. Which platforms? Those that keep you in endless scrolling.” He continues: “Which are allowed? Messaging and video platforms, such as: Messenger – WhatsApp – Viber – YouTube. The platform list is dynamic. This means if others emerge with the same characteristics, it will naturally be updated. But the law doesn’t stop there.”
And he explains: “Platforms will now be required to do 2 things: First, verify user age through reliable mechanisms like kids wallet, and second, re-verify the age of those who already have accounts. And you’ll ask ‘Why?’. Isn’t a child who will soon come of age old enough to handle this? No. The truth is their brains are still developing.
@pavlos_marinakis ✂️«Κόβονται» τελικά τα social media για ηλικίες κάτω των 15 ετών; #pavlosmarinakis #social #media #socialmedia #ageban ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – Pavlos Marinakis
Experts agree that uncontrolled use of such platforms can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, comparison with what they see online, cyberbullying, and social isolation. And you’ll ask me: ‘Why from 2027 then?’. Because Greece must move within the European framework. Laws must be established and platforms must adapt. Our goal is not to place the burden of responsibility on children, but to pressure platforms for more effective policies.”
And he concludes: “Now I speak as a father to all parents. We are the first who must help our children understand that their life is outside the screens and support them in this adjustment. This initiative must find us all on the same side. For our children.”
