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Facing a Digital World: Understanding Our Children's Online Habits
In an age where digital tools define much of childhood, understanding and addressing children’s online behaviors has become paramount for parents. A recent event hosted by KMOP on September 30, 2025, highlighted these issues, drawing a crowd of concerned parents, educators, and health professionals eager to uncover solutions regarding digital safety and the prevention of online gaming addiction.
The Alarming Statistics Surrounding Kids and Screens
Research presented by sociologist Ms. Elli Kaplani indicated that a striking 77% of children aged 9–12 have access to the internet via personal devices, revealing that nearly half use these devices daily. This access is primarily for gaming, schoolwork, and social media interactions. Alarmingly, the study found that 37% of children misrepresent their online age, increasing their vulnerability to grooming and predatory behaviors.
Moreover, the findings illustrated that 46.5% of the participants experienced disturbing online encounters and 22.8% stumbled upon inappropriate content. These figures convey a frightening reality that many of our children are not only users of the internet but are also susceptible to its more perilous facets.
Addressing Gaming Addiction: A Growing Concern
Ms. Angeliki Oikonomopoulou emphasized the seriousness of gaming addiction, a behavioral disorder recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018. This kind of addiction jeopardizes sleep, academic performance, and social relationships, driven by the games’ reward systems. To help regulate screen time, she introduced the helpful "3-6-9-12 rule": no screens before 3 years old, no gaming consoles before 6, no internet before 9, and no social media until age 12. This guideline encourages families to adopt a more thoughtful approach towards technology use in the home.
Building Awareness and Strengthening Digital Literacy
Bearing in mind the increasing instances of digital vulnerabilities, educational initiatives designed to bolster digital literacy were discussed extensively. Ms. Kornilia Androulaki spoke about the MINDSET project, which aims to identify early signs of gaming addiction. Her insights highlight the importance of not only recognizing addiction but also implementing preventative measures that encourage healthy online behaviors.
Tools for Prevention and Positive Interaction
Empowering families plays an essential role in digital safety and addiction prevention. Enabling open dialogues, setting clear boundaries for internet usage, and actively educating children about potential risks were all emphasized as necessary steps for parents and educators alike. Ms. Androulaki also stressed that the responsibility to protect children extends into their everyday interactions with devices and the internet.
Taking the Next Steps Toward a Safer Digital Environment
The discussion culminated in the thought-provoking assertion from Ms. Jenny Lazarou, which reaffirms that protecting children involves more than imposing restrictions. It’s about cultivating opportunities for better relationships and open communication:
“It is not enough to press pause on the games; we must press play on our relationship with our children.”
This message resonates profoundly in today’s digital landscape where devices often eclipse personal interactions.
Conclusion: Empowerment Comes from Education
The call to action is clear. As parents, we must take proactive steps to foster a healthier relationship between our children and the digital world. This includes drawing upon the insights from events like those organized by KMOP, which illuminate the challenges posed by technology while offering practical solutions. By establishing a healthy environment around technology use, we can indeed guide our children safely through the intricate labyrinth of the online world.
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