Adonis Georgiadis Launches Groundbreaking Measures to Protect Minors from Social Media Addiction

Greece Pioneers Child Digital Protection with Georgiadis’ New Policy  

In a bold move to safeguard the next generation, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis unveiled a new government framework restricting social media access for minors under 15. The initiative, part of a broader public health and digital safety strategy, comes in response to alarming trends in digital addiction and online risks among children and adolescents.

“We are not limiting freedom of expression. We are taking proactive steps to adapt to the new world our children live in,” Georgiadis emphasized, highlighting the escalating mental health challenges tied to social media use.

Key Measures

• The ban applies to children born from 2012 onward. Verification will use Kids Wallet QR scanning to confirm age.
• Platforms affected include Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, but not messaging-only services.
• Implementation begins January 1, 2027, allowing platforms time to comply with EU Digital Services Act standards.

Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou stressed:“Platforms can no longer claim uncertainty about users’ age. They must verify access, protecting children and ensuring accountability.”

Minister of State Akis Skertsos added:“This sends a clear signal to tech companies: profit cannot come at the expense of children’s mental health or democracy.”

Why It Matters

Georgiadis explained the psychological impact of unrestricted social media:

• Algorithm-driven addiction: Personalized feeds stimulate dopamine and endogenous opioid systems.
• Micro-content overload: Short videos create intense emotional environments that diminish self-regulation.
• Progression to compulsive behavior: From casual browsing to problematic use.

Alarming Statistics

• 34.7% of teens reported interacting with strangers online.
• 14.7% involved in sexting exchanges.
• 25-30% participate in cyberbullying as victims or perpetrators.
• 20% of 15-year-olds miss sports or hobbies due to social media use.
• 36% maintain constant online contact with friends; among 15-year-old girls, this rises to 44%, preferring online interaction over real-life engagement.

Health Consequences

Physical Health:

• Sedentary lifestyle → obesity
• Eye strain and visual fatigue
• Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue

Mental Health:

• Attention, memory, and executive function difficulties
• Low self-esteem, social isolation, anhedonia
• Depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicidal ideation
• Online Münchausen syndrome, FoMO (fear of missing out), electronic gambling

A Proactive Step for a Safer Future

“Children are entering social media earlier than ever – sometimes at age 6, 7, or 8. This is a real responsibility,” Georgiadis warned. The government insists the policy is protective, not punitive, ensuring minors grow up safe in an increasingly digital world.

“This is about giving families tools to shield their children while guiding them to healthy online habits,” the Health Minister concluded.

With this initiative, Greece positions itself at the forefront of digital safety policy, setting a benchmark for Europe in protecting children from the mental health risks of uncontrolled social media use.

Source: pagenews.gr