Seeking to curb digital addiction among minors without resorting to outright bans on social media use, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on Monday promoting safety and parental involvement.
Presented at the Athens Conservatoire alongside senior government officials, the strategy introduces digital tools to foster safer online experiences while promoting parental engagement and accountability from tech companies.
The centerpiece of the program is Parco.gov.gr, a new advisory platform for parents designed to help manage children’s online activities. “The solution lies in dialogue,” said Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou. “The state must stand alongside parents and children.” The platform enables parents to set specific restrictions on app usage, including time limits and approved hours for screen activity.
Another pillar of the initiative is the Kids Wallet, a digital tool that integrates parental controls with user age verification. Expected to launch by spring, it allows parents to predefine daily screen time – ranging from one to four hours – and monitor app engagement. “The Kids Wallet has the potential for broader European adoption,” Mitsotakis said, underlining its role in raising awareness about mobile usage habits.
Mitsotakis rejected blanket prohibitions, emphasizing the need for education and shared responsibility. “Can a total ban on social media for children be effective? I doubt it,” he said. He called for increased parental involvement and stronger regulatory frameworks while urging major platforms to prioritize user wellbeing. “These companies must take responsibility. They’ve made enormous profits, and it’s time to stop endangering children’s mental health,” Mitsotakis noted.
The prime minister highlighted the cognitive risks of excessive screen exposure for developing minds, describing the current environment as a “massive experiment” with unregulated outcomes. He pointed to examples, including Instagram, that have begun integrating teen-safe features, but insisted more needed to be done.
“This is not just a national concern but a global issue requiring humane technological practices,” Mitsotakis said. “The digital world can be invaluable, but it must never replace real-life experiences.”
By advancing these tools, the government aims to position Greece at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to promote ethical technology and protect future generations.