Greece will ban access ​to social media for children under the age ‌of 15 from January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep problems and the ​addictive design of online platforms.

In a video message ​addressed to young people, Mitsotakis said children spending ⁠long hours in front of screens do not allow ​their minds to rest and face growing pressure from constant ​comparison and online comments.

The Greek prime minister said he had spoken with many parents who reported that their children do not ​sleep well, become anxious easily and spend long hours ​on their phones.

An opinion poll by ALCO published in February showed ‌about ⁠80% of those surveyed approved of a ban. The Greek government has already outlawed mobile phones in schools and set up parental control platforms to limit teenagers' screen ​time.

"Greece will be ​among the ⁠first countries to take such an initiative," Mitsotakis said. "I am certain, however, that it ​will not be the last. Our goal ​is to ⁠push the European Union in this direction as well."

Slovenia, Britain, Austria and Spain have also said they are working ⁠on ​similar bans after Australia became ​the first country in the world to block access to children under ​16 last year.