The Greek government is set to announce a comprehensive plan today aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the potential harms of social media.
The initiative will focus on enhancing parental controls and implementing measures to mitigate the psychological and social risks associated with excessive social media use.
This announcement comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. Dr. Theodora Psaltopoulou, a professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, highlighted the widespread use of social media among teenagers, noting that over 90% of teens in the US engage with these platforms.
She pointed to research from the World Health Organization indicating a rise in problematic social media use among adolescents in Europe, with associated risks including addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and disruptions to education and family life.
Dr. Psaltopoulou stressed the importance of parental involvement in addressing these issues. She encouraged families to set clear boundaries for social media use, utilize technology to monitor online activity, and educate teenagers about online safety.
The Greek government's plan is expected to align with recommendations from the World Health Organization, which include integrating digital literacy programs in schools, enhancing mental health services, and holding social media platforms accountable for protecting young users.
This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on youth.
It signals a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers to promote responsible social media use and protect young people from online harms.