Should children use social media?

This week, Greece made a new rule. From January, children under 15 will not be allowed to use social media.

News Nibbles Edition 3 · Saturday 24 October 2026· Page 6 of the paper

Scrolling on a phone, or playing outside? A drawing.

Social media means apps where people share photos, videos and messages with lots of other people. Most of these apps say you must be at least 13 to use them. But many younger children use them anyway.

On 23 October, Greece made a stricter rule. The apps must check how old people are. If they don’t, they will have to pay a lot of money. Australia has a rule like this too, and Norway is planning one.

Why do some people want this rule?

Some apps are made to keep you scrolling for a long, long time. Too much screen time means less sleep, less play and less time with family. Children might also see unkind messages, or things that are not meant for kids.

Why do others disagree?

Some people say the rule is hard to check. They think it is better to teach children how to stay safe online, with grown-ups helping. Video calls also help families who live far apart stay close.

Make a family screen plan

We put screens away at

Screen-free places at home:

Instead of screens, we like to

Did you know?Children your age need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. Screens before bed can make it harder to fall asleep.

Nibbles asksIs there a screen rule in your home? Do you think it is a good rule? Why?

For grown-ups: There is no single right answer here, so the page presents both views. Australia’s under-16 rule began in December 2025; Greece’s takes effect on 1 January 2027. A family plan made together tends to work better than one handed down.