Greece passes social media ban for children under 15

Greece's parliament approved a bill on Friday that bans the use of social media platforms for children under 15 amid growing concerns over their impact on the health and safety of minors.

* The ban comes into force on January 1, 2027

* Australia was the first country to pass legislation to curb the use of social media by minors, doing so last year. A similar law passed in France was struck down by the country's Constitutional Council in August


* Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said social media platforms have 2-1/2 months to devise a way to verify users' ages and protect their privacy

* Greece is among seven European Union countries seeking an age verification solution with the European Commission

* Greece says it is standing by parents to help curb the "endless scrolling" that deprives children of sleep, concentration and time with their friends.