Greece Plans to Block Social Media for Children Under 15 The Greek government has announced plans to block social media platforms for children under the age of 15, sparking debate over the impact of online content on young minds. This move follows in the footsteps of several countries, including Australia and Spain, which have introduced similar restrictions to curb the risks associated with social media use. According to sources close to the Greek government, the proposed legislation aims to protect minors from online harassment, cyberbullying, and exposure to explicit content. The plan involves implementing age verification systems that would prevent children under 15 from accessing popular social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Greek Deputy Minister for Digital Policy, Giorgos Georgantas, said that the government is committed to ensuring children's online safety. "We want to create a safe and healthy digital environment for our children," he stated. "We believe that by restricting access to social media, we can reduce the risks associated with online activity and promote a more balanced lifestyle for young people." The proposed legislation has been welcomed by many parents and child welfare groups in Greece, who have long expressed concerns over the impact of social media on children's mental health. According to a recent survey, 60% of Greek parents believe that social media has a negative effect on their children's well-being. However, some critics argue that the plan is too restrictive and may not effectively address the root causes of online issues. "Blocking social media won't solve the problem," said Dr. Sofia Karamanidou, a leading expert on child online safety. "We need to educate children about online risks and provide them with the skills to navigate social media safely." The Greek government plans to introduce the legislation to parliament in the coming months, with a view to implementing the restrictions by the end of 2024. The move is likely to be closely watched by other countries, which are also grappling with the challenges of regulating social media use among young people. Source: undefined. Visit the original source link below for the complete story.