The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family spoke about the new measures to protect minors against addiction and uncontrolled exposure to the dangers of using the internet and social media, which were the subject of the meeting at Megaros Maximos Sophia Zacharakis.

Speaking to ANT1, Mrs. Zaharaki clarified that it is not a universal prohibition by law, of the use of the platforms by persons under the age of 15, but for a new one national strategy and grid of meters in order to inform parents and take initiative to protect the vulnerability of children under 15 years of age.

As he noted, children in Greece, based on statistics, are massively “pioneers” in engaging with the internet, video games and social media. Mrs. Zaharaki estimated that such a potential ban would be met serious practices difficulties.

“The statistics are extremely worrying, as Greece is in the highest positions of internet use by children under 15 years old. In particular in their engagement with online games and Social Media. Approximately 90% of 13-24 year olds are social media users and spend an average of almost 41 hours a week on the internet…” he characteristically said.

He also revealed that on December 30 will be held by government informational eventin which the entire National Strategy on the issue will be presented and in which parents will be able to learn how exactly they can gain control over their children’s internet use.

Then towards the end of March will be activated the application Kids Wallet through which the parent will: a) be informed about the use made by his child, b) set a time limit and c) define words which, when his child uses in the search bar or in the address bar, then he will use is blocked. Finally, he said that on a specific website parents will be able to be informed about the mobile phone regulations already in force.

He stated that Greece will take the lead in relation to the rest of the European Union regarding the issue of specific protection, and finally requested the greatest possible cooperation and activity of parents, but also of the Media, in the direction of the success of the measures.