PRESS RELEASE – The Directorate for the Prosecution of Electronic Crime of the Hellenic Police provides useful advice to parents and children regarding the use of the internet during the summer
During the summer, internet use, both via computers and smart devices (mobile phones and tablets), increases rapidly.
In this context, the Directorate for the Prosecution of Electronic Crime of the Hellenic Police, in order to protect parents and children during summer getaways, minimizing incidents of malicious use of the internet, recommends the following:
- Set the necessary limits on internet use. Irresponsible use can lead to many problems, such as eating disorders, sleep disorders, and headaches.
- Do not neglect your activities and social environment for the sake of the internet. Remember that the recommended daily time on the internet should not exceed one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes.
- Motivate children to engage in new activities and hobbies that do not involve the internet and encourage their social interactions. Involving children in artistic, sports and cultural activities will help them adopt a balanced and creative lifestyle.
- Don't trust the information someone gives you during a chat room conversation. Their name, age, and even the photos they may send you may not be real.
- When a user approaches you in a chat room, who presents himself as a friend or acquaintance of yours, contact him by phone and ask if he is really the same person.
- Do not accept to send photos of yourself or turn on your computer camera during a conversation with strangers. They may use this material without your knowledge.
- If a conversation makes you feel uncomfortable, you can stop it with the press of a button.
- Don't use social media as a diary. Your profile doesn't have to contain all the information about your daily activity.
- Check your profile security and privacy settings. Set them so that your information is only visible to your friends.
- Do not allow applications that you do not know to post comments on your account or use your account information, beyond your name, unless it is absolutely necessary for the service provided.
- Before you post something on social media, consider that it never disappears from the internet. Could it negatively affect your future life?
- If you notice that someone is trying to bully you online, report the bullying to your parents. Don't stay silent!
- Responding in kind is not the solution! Don't respond if someone treats you badly online. Doing so can make things worse!
- In any case, you can call the Directorate for the Prosecution of Electronic Crime of the Hellenic Republic. Don't be afraid - You are not alone!
It is reminded that citizens can contact the Directorate for the Prosecution of Electronic Crime of the Hellenic Police, at the following contact details:
By phone at: 111 88
By e-mail at: ccu@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr
Through the application for smartphones, with iOS-android operating system: CYBERKID.
Via Twitter "SOS Cyber Alert Line": @cyberalertGR.
