“Despite the fact that the number of current Internet users exceeds two billion worldwide and is growing, people are not taking all the necessary measures to enhance their security when they are online”….
These were the statements made by the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations of Microsoft Greece, Lia Komninou, presenting the key findings of the annual MCSI (Microsoft Computing Safety Index) survey at yesterday's Youth Online Safety event: "Internet. Yes to use, no to abuse"
"This means that there is a need for information and education on important but simple steps that each of us can take to protect both our computer data and our entire digital life," he emphasized.
The aim of the event, which was organized by Microsoft Hellas and the organization "The Smile of the Child" at the Microsoft Headquarters in Maroussi, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, and under the auspices of the Presidency of the EU, was to inform and raise awareness among young people about the safe use of the internet and the dangers of its abuse and inadequate security measures. Special reference was made to the correct use of social media, the phenomenon of internet addiction and the effects it has on young children, as well as the very serious issue of cyberbullying.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Symeon Kedikoglou, also delivered a greeting: "The dangers that the internet poses are not enough to demonize it. There are so many possibilities and benefits from using the internet in our everyday lives that it is worth every effort to shield children against these dangers. The promotion of models of proper use of the internet, responsible participation in social media, as well as raising students' awareness of cyberbullying directly concern the school community and are a key concern of the Ministry of Education.".
Kostas Giannopoulos, president of the "Children's Smile" Organization, stated after the event: "Issues such as cyber bullying, gaming addiction and even social media addiction concern children's everyday lives and our role is to inform and educate them so that they can protect and defend their rights. The implementation of YouSmile.gr, an interactive communication and entertainment platform exclusively for teenagers, has enabled us to realize the magnitude of the risks hidden behind a screen, based on the experiences of students and teenagers and not simply on research conducted on the subject."
The event was attended by secondary school students who exchanged views on the issues in question. In particular, students from the following schools attended: 1st EPAL of Salamina, 1st GEL of Egaleo, Othisi Schools, 5th Gymnasium of Peristeri, Geitona Schools and Zagorianakou Schools. Via Skype, the following schools also participated with comments and questions: Averofios School of Alexandria, Egypt, Gymnasium and Lyceum Classes of Kastelorizo, Gergeris Gymnasium of Heraklion, Crete and Lavaron Gymnasium of Thrace.
Source: planet-greece.blogspot.com
