Spain and Greece are weighing new restrictions on teenagers’ access to social media, citing rising concerns over mental health, online addiction, and exposure to harmful content. The proposals are part of a broader European debate over how far governments should go to regulate digital platforms used heavily by minors.

Spanish officials have signaled support for age-based limits, stricter identity verification, and potential time restrictions on social media use for users under 18. Greece is exploring similar measures, with policymakers framing the issue as a public health challenge rather than a question of free expression.

Governments Cite Mental Health and Online Harm

Authorities in both countries point to studies linking excessive social media use among adolescents to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and declining academic performance. Lawmakers argue that existing platform safeguards are insufficient and that state intervention is needed to protect minors in an increasingly algorithm-driven online environment.

Officials have also raised alarms about cyberbullying, misinformation, and exposure to inappropriate content, saying current self-regulation by tech companies has failed to keep pace with the scale of the problem.

Elon Musk Responds With Sharp Criticism

The proposals have drawn fierce criticism from Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, who accused European governments of overreach and censorship. Musk argued that restricting access based on age undermines personal freedom and parental responsibility, and warned that such policies could set a dangerous precedent for broader online controls.

His comments have amplified the debate globally, drawing support from free speech advocates while prompting pushback from European leaders who insist the focus is solely on child safety.

Tech Industry Warns of Unintended Consequences

Technology companies and digital rights groups caution that strict age verification could lead to privacy risks, including the collection of sensitive personal data. Critics argue that blanket bans may push teenagers toward unregulated platforms or underground online spaces that are even harder to monitor.

Some experts have instead called for stronger digital literacy education and improved parental control tools, rather than government-mandated restrictions.

Part of a Wider European Regulatory Push

The discussions in Spain and Greece align with the European Union’s broader effort to rein in Big Tech through laws such as the Digital Services Act (DSA). These frameworks already require platforms to take additional steps to protect minors, but national governments are increasingly considering tougher local measures.