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 Greek Safer Internet Centre (SIC) organised the central event at the Ministry of Education. More than 800 students, teachers and many stakeholders participated.

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

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 Greek SIC's Youth Panel members. Participants explored the role of the internet in public life and the challenges faced by today's parents.

During the event, the results of a new study were presented. The Greek SIC carried out this study 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, which 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.