Greece and Spain Promote Restrictions on Social Media to Protect Adolescents

International concern over the impact of digital platforms on minors has reached a critical point. Recently, Greece and Spain revealed legislative initiatives aimed at restricting teenagers’ access to social media, reflecting a growing concern across Europe about the harmful effects of the internet on the younger population.

The Growing Alarm Over Digital Addiction in Minors

Both European countries agree on identifying the same underlying issues: internet addiction and exposure to harmful content. Governments argue that social media platforms create excessive dependence among young users, affecting their cognitive and emotional development. This position reflects a growing consensus among experts that minors require special protection from engagement mechanisms designed by commercial algorithms.

Concrete Measures Against Online Risks

The proposed restrictions go beyond simple warnings or time limits. Regulatory measures are being considered to establish stricter age barriers and greater responsibilities for platforms regarding user verification. Greece and Spain see these actions as essential to mitigate risks associated with cyberbullying, sextortion, and other digital crimes that disproportionately affect teenagers.

A Global Movement for Children’s Digital Safety

The initiatives of these two countries align with broader international efforts to safeguard minors’ well-being in digital environments. This trend suggests that social media regulation will become increasingly stringent worldwide, setting precedents for how to balance freedom of expression with effective protection of vulnerable audiences.