The government outlined measures to combat juvenile violence during a press conference held by the relevant ministers, as part of the National Strategy.
Notably, details were shared about the Kids Wallet, which will be available to all parents starting Monday afternoon, as well as information on community service and other initiatives announced earlier that day.
National Strategy on Juvenile Violence and Delinquency | Interministerial Press Conference
Papastergiou: The Kids Wallet is a tool for responsible use that empowers parents, not a surveillance instrument with penalties
The Kids Wallet was introduced by Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou during the interministerial press conference at the General Secretariat for Communication and Information. This digital parental control tool allows parents to monitor—“but not spy on”—their child’s mobile phone while also identifying the user. This initiative is part of the National Strategy for the Prevention of Juvenile Violence and Delinquency for 2025–2030, targeting the growing challenges youths face in both digital and physical realms, with a strong focus on prevention and protection.
Mr. Papastergiou highlighted technology’s critical role in shaping society and the safety challenges it poses to minors.
“It’s not enough to recognize the benefits of technology; we must also be ready to tackle the risks it presents, particularly for our children,” he stated.
The strategy encompasses various targeted actions to boost youth digital literacy, promote safe internet practices, and develop parental control tools. Central to this strategy is the Kids Wallet, an innovative application designed to safeguard minors online.
“Kids Wallet: A Comprehensive Solution for Protecting Minors Online”
The Kids Wallet, formally introduced during the press conference and launching today, combines three key features: parental control, age verification, and digital identity for minors.
- Parental Control: This feature enables parents to regulate the apps and websites accessible to their children, along with setting time limits on their usage.
- Age Verification: The app offers a secure method for confirming minors’ ages online, shielding them from inappropriate content and potential risks.
- Digital Identity: Kids Wallet serves as a digital space where children can store their digital identity, simplifying access to services and applications that require age confirmation.
“With Kids Wallet, we equip parents with a significant tool to safeguard their children online while enhancing their digital identity and fostering their digital skills in a safe manner,” stated Mr. Papastergiou, who then described the steps for using the app.
Steps for Using Kids Wallet:
- Installation: Download the Kids Wallet app on your child’s smartphone from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Account Creation: Set up both a parent and a child account, entering the required information.
- Parental Control Settings: Define what apps and websites your child can access and establish usage time limits.
- Age Verification: Confirm your child’s age through the app using necessary documentation.
- Digital Identity: Create your child’s digital identity by storing pertinent information in the Kids Wallet.
Mr. Papastergiou urged parents to use Kids Wallet judiciously and avoid using it as a spying tool:
“We must remember that our children deserve privacy and autonomy. Our role is to guide and protect, not to control fully. Discuss these limits with your child and allow them to voice their opinions. It’s essential to clarify that Kids Wallet does not grant parents access to their children’s messages or real-time tracking online; it simply enables limit-setting and provides basic usage information.”
The Minister stressed that the National Strategy for the Prevention of Juvenile Violence and Delinquency is a dynamic plan designed to adapt to society’s evolving needs. He called on all stakeholders—parents, educators, health professionals, civil society organizations, and government entities—to work together for the effective implementation of the strategy and fostering a secure and supportive environment for youth.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
