Greece – Focus on the impact of social media on young people for Safer Internet Day

The impact of influencers on teenagers and how their psychology is changed by what they see on social media has been at the centre of the seventeeth celebration of Safer Internet Day (SID) in Greece. 

Date 2020-03-06 Author Greek Safer Internet Centre Section awareness, sid

With a central event in Athens on Tuesday, 11 February 2020 and many parallel events in schools and municipalities across the country throughout the week, a powerful message was sent about not only safe, but also quality internet. The central event was organised by the Greek Safer Internet Centre (SIC) at the Ministry of Education. More than 800 students, teachers and many stakeholders participated.

Picture of Safer Internet Day celebrations in Greece

In her speech, Minister of Education Niki Kerameos pointed out the important role that parents and teachers play in priming children for a safe use of the internet, while highlighting the positive role and opportunities offered by the digital world.

Picture of Safer Internet Day celebrations in Greece

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Safer Internet Ambassador Maria Spyraki, held a speech from Strasbourg, France, via Skype. "Today is a day of value because all of Europe is working for a safer internet. 1 in 3 internet user is underage and half of all 11-16-year-olds have been exposed to some risk at least once" said Maria Spyraki, concluding that "the internet is a wonderful world but we should protect ourselves and our children". Then, a performance was staged by well-known Greek actor Marios Athanasiou who received questions from the members of the Greek SIC's Youth Panel. Participants explored the role of the internet in public life and the challenges faced by today's parents.

Picture of Safer Internet Day celebrations in Greece

During the event, the results of a new study were presented. This study was carried out by the Greek SIC on 13,000 students about their online habits and how their psychology is affected by social networks and online gaming. The day ended with an award ceremony for the schools that were distinguished in the Panhellenic Student Competition that was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs on the occasion of SID.

For more information about Safer Internet Day activities in Greece, visit the Greek Safer Internet Centre's Safer Internet Day profile page.

Find out more information about the work of the Greek Safer Internet Centre (SIC) generally, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services, or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

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