A New Wave of Social Media Bans Looms Over Europe’s Teens

Teenagers in Greece and Spain may soon join their French and Australian peers in losing access to social networks. Reportedly, two more European Union countries are considering such a blockade.

Today (February 3), Spain and Greece simultaneously proposed bans on social media use by teenagers. The reasons remain consistent: causing harm to the mental health of minors.

Spain is considering a ban for children under 16, while Greece plans to implement it for those under 15. It’s possible that other European countries will follow suit with their own restrictions.

This move comes amid growing concerns about the psychological impacts of social media on youths, which include increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and inadequacy. Some studies highlight how excessive screen time and exposure to idealized images can negatively affect mental well-being.

France enacted similar laws in 2025, focusing on protecting young people’s mental health. Since then, reports suggest a noticeable improvement in users’ overall mental well-being, encouraging other countries to consider similar measures.

European Union regulations already impose certain restrictions on the online activities of minors, with emphasis on protecting their privacy and data security. However, these new proposals aim to address broader concerns regarding mental health and online safety.