kathimerini.gr
Greece Tackles Underage Digital Addiction with Age Limits and EU Initiative
The Greek government is responding to concerns about underage digital addiction and violence by proposing age restrictions on social media for users under 15, a new parental guidance platform, and a European-level initiative to regulate platform algorithms affecting minors.
- What immediate actions is the Greek government taking to address the rising issue of underage digital addiction and violence?
- The Greek government is implementing a multi-pronged approach to combat underage digital addiction and violence, including age restrictions on social media for users under 15, mirroring similar policies in Australia and France. A new platform offering guidance on responsible mobile phone use and parental controls is also planned.
- What broader societal factors are contributing to the need for government intervention in regulating children's digital usage?
- This initiative responds to rising concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children, as highlighted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his UN speech referencing Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation". The government will consider feasibility before implementing age restrictions, acknowledging the need for age verification technologies.
- What are the potential long-term effects of this multi-faceted approach on children's digital literacy and well-being, and how can its effectiveness be measured?
- The plan involves a European Union-wide digital maturity age limit of 15, advocating for platform restrictions on algorithmic content and engagement for underage users. This collaborative approach aims to pressure large platforms into adopting protective measures, such as limiting addictive content and providing usage controls.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the government's response to the problem of digital addiction, highlighting its efforts and initiatives prominently. While the problem is acknowledged, the focus remains on the government's proposed solutions, potentially overshadowing other relevant aspects of the issue. The headline (if there was one) would likely reinforce this focus.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, but phrases such as "ειδικού βάρους" (special weight) when referring to the prime minister's speech at the UN might subtly suggest a positive bias towards government action. There is also a potential positive framing around government initiatives as 'proactive' and 'comprehensive'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on government initiatives to combat digital addiction in minors, but omits discussion of other significant contributing factors to this issue, such as parental involvement, school policies, or the role of social media companies themselves. This omission might leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the problem and potential solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor framing by focusing primarily on government intervention as the solution to digital addiction, without adequately exploring other approaches or the potential limitations of government regulation. This could lead readers to assume that government action alone is sufficient to address the issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses government initiatives to address digital addiction among minors, including age restrictions on social media, parental control tools, and educational campaigns. These measures directly support the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. By promoting responsible technology use and digital well-being, these initiatives contribute to a safer and more supportive learning environment for children and adolescents.