The Greek government is advancing plans to impose a strict ban on social media access for children under 15, leveraging the existing Kids Wallet parental-control app—originally developed to prevent minors from purchasing tobacco and alcohol—as the core enforcement mechanism. This initiative, personally overseen by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, involves coordination among the ministries of Justice, Digital Governance, and Health, with efforts to build cross-party support ahead of constitutional revisions.
Unlike approaches in countries like Portugal (which allow parental opt-outs), the Greek proposal would apply universally to all under-15s with no opt-out option for parents. Age verification would use the Kids Wallet app, installed on both parents’ and children’s devices. The app generates a scannable barcode that confirms whether a user meets the age threshold. Retailers already use this system for age-restricted sales; under the new plan, social media platforms would integrate similar verification during registration and access attempts on mobile devices. For desktops, a government portal would provide guidance on parental controls.
Non-compliance by platforms could result in fines, and the system aims to block access at the device or account-creation level.
However, significant challenges and doubts surround effective enforcement:
- Selective focus: Critics argue that targeting only social media while leaving unregulated access to pornography, gaming, gambling, and other potentially harmful online content could lead to legal inconsistencies or political backlash.
- Broader safeguards promised: The government has signaled that additional online protections will follow, but details remain unclear.
- Practical loopholes: The Kids Wallet app is not mandatory for all users, and reports indicate children can already circumvent age checks (e.g., by sharing screenshots of parents’ barcodes).
- Parental concerns: Clinical psychologist Maribelle Vogopoulou highlighted that many parents feel “incapable and powerless” in enforcing boundaries, citing widespread issues like reduced concentration, poor academic performance, aggression, sleep disturbances, and impaired social skills among children exposed to social media from a young age.
The announcement, initially anticipated last week, has been delayed until February 26, 2026, according to sources close to the discussions.
This move aligns with broader European trends toward stricter child online protections, though enforcement feasibility remains a key question—particularly regarding potential free-speech challenges from parents or judicial review. Industry voices have warned of compliance difficulties for global platforms.
(Updated February 25, 2026)