Pilot program will be implemented in 50 schools
With a series of measures, the Ministry of Education is trying to address the phenomenon of internet addiction among children and adolescents, as well as the phenomenon of online seduction, which have reached alarming proportions.
According to a pan-European survey of a representative sample of adolescents aged 15-16, it was found that 12.7% displayed borderline online behavior, while 1.2% appeared to exhibit addictive behaviors.
Regarding the issue of online seduction, although Greece appeared to present the lowest risk rate, 5.4% of the total sample reported that communicating with strangers online harmed them in some way and 28.4% reported that they met someone they met online in the physical world.
One of the interventions of the Ministry of Education, which is being piloted by the Panhellenic School Network, includes a special process of diagnosing the factors that can influence, inside and outside school, the level of children's safety on the internet.
Based on the results, an action plan will be formulated with the aim of increasing the level of safety. Once the school implements the action plan, it will receive the European eSafety certification. 50 Greek schools will already participate in the pilot project of the certification.
In addition to the above pilot program, other measures are the following…
– In the curriculum for the “New School” and specifically in the Information and Communication Technologies course in primary and secondary schools, one of the aims is to develop social attitudes and skills that shape modern digital culture. Students are informed about the risks of participating in social networks and registering on websites.
– Within the framework of Health Education programs, implemented by 5,500 educators, psychosocial and emotional goals are pursued, among others, as well as the adoption of correct behavioral patterns and the change of life attitudes.
– Co-organization of actions by the Ministry of Education with the Adolescent Health Unit of the Second Pediatric Clinic of the University of Athens.
– Within the framework of the “Teen Parliament” program and following a recommendation from the Director of Cybercrime Prosecution, discussions are taking place on the thematic section “The protection of minor users of the internet and social media”.
– Higher Education Institutions, through research activities, contribute to scientific investigation, the dissemination of knowledge, and the prevention and treatment of similar phenomena.
– The Panhellenic School Network has articles and instructions for parents, students and teachers on internet addiction and adherence to safe browsing rules. The PSD also blocks access to Facebook, etc.
Source: newsbeast.gr
