“This is an issue we have all witnessed, but until now, we have struggled to develop effective policies to address it,” Mitsotakis said during the presentation.

New tools for parental control

The Minister of Digital Governance, Vassilis Papastergiou, outlined key initiatives, including the immediate launch of Parco.Gov.Gr, a platform designed to assist parents. “This tool will provide guidance and allow parents to set time limits for app use, restrict certain applications, and manage usage by specific hours and days,” he explained.

Central to the strategy is the introduction of Kids Wallet, a digital wallet for children, which will double as a parental control application and an age verification tool. Set to be operational by spring, Kids Wallet will enable parents to pre-set daily screen time limits ranging from one to four hours.

Regulation, not prohibition

Rejecting the idea of a total ban, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of balanced measures. “Protecting the mental health of children is a fundamental responsibility of society,” he stated, adding that a collaborative approach involving parents, children, regulatory authorities, and tech companies is essential.

He criticised the algorithms of digital platforms for being designed to maximise screen time and emphasised the need for broader accountability from tech firms. “We need to pressure platforms to consider the needs of children and adolescents when designing their applications,” he said, pointing to Instagram’s existing measures as an example of progress.

A student’s perspective

During the presentation, Mitsotakis engaged with a 16-year-old student who described internet addiction as a significant issue for their generation. “Mobile phone use has become second nature to us. I can’t study for more than 1.5 hours without checking social media, and there’s a sense of guilt about how these hours could be better spent,” the student said.

A European role in regulation

Mitsotakis highlighted the potential for Greece to lead efforts at the European level to regulate digital platforms. He called for the EU to balance regulatory frameworks with the preservation of rights, particularly for children and adolescents. “Europe must take on a greater role to pressure major American platforms to allow broader interventions,” he said, advocating for technological solutions alongside regulatory action.

Promoting real-world experiences

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of educating parents, teachers, and health professionals on the value of physical activity and real-life social interactions. “The digital world can be useful, but it cannot replace real-life experiences,” he noted.

Mitsotakis concluded by expressing Greece’s aspiration to play a leadership role on this issue beyond its borders. “These challenges are universal, and this is an opportunity for Greece to contribute to solutions that benefit everyone.”

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