GREECE will ban access to social media for children under 15 from 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said today.

He said the move was aimed at tackling rising anxiety and sleep problems among young people, as well as the “addictive design” of social media.

An opinion poll in February showed that about 80 per cent approved of a ban.

Mobile phones ​in schools have already been banned in Greece, and parental control platforms have been created to limit teenagers’ screen time.

It comes amid global discussions on banning young people from using social media sites.

The British government has launched a consultation on whether to implement a ban for under-16s, while Ireland and Denmark are considering similar measures.

Australia became the world’s first country to do so in December, blocking access to platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Social media companies argue that the ban would not protect young people, will be difficult to enforce and could isolate vulnerable teenagers.

While most have committed to complying with Australia’s ban, Reddit is challenging the law in court.

Mr Mitsotakis said: “Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative. I am certain, however, that it will not be the last.

“Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.

“The addictive design of certain applications, and a business model based on capturing your attention — on how long you stay in front of a screen — takes away your innocence and your freedom.

“That has to stop somewhere.”

Greece’s parliament will legislate the ban this year.

Last month, Meta and YouTube were found liable in the US over a woman’s childhood addiction to social media.