SafeYouth: A new digital shield for youth safety in Greece

Donation of the Vodafone Foundation the first digital tool in Europe for the security and strengthening of young people Children grow up learning and discovering the world around them. They explore, express their feelings, create friendships and learn to cooperate. In a world full of opportunities, but also challenges today’s teens very often face unpleasant situations, both within and outside the school. Phenomenals such as bullying, school violence or even online, domestic violence deprive young people of the freedom to express themselves and live what they deserve without fear. For this reason, the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Greek Police in collaboration with the Vodafone Foundation, created the SafeYouth App, the first European application aimed at empowering and sensitizing young people for various forms of delinquency that can threaten their physical integrity and spiritual balance. SafeYouth App educates children and adolescents to recognize risks and empower them, so that they are prepared to avoid them. It touches all the manifestations of delinquent behaviors to and from minors, as well as minors to each other, and gives tools so that they can act quickly in case of need. With the emergency button provided by the application, they can immediately notify the Greek Police, if they are in a state of danger, while through Poli, the digital police officer in chatbot form, they can have immediate answers and guidance in case of emergency. At the same time, the possibility of anonymous or surname complaints helps young people to feel safe, not to fear and act responsibly when they encounter threatening situations. The app, available for free at Apple Store and Google Play, as well as through the website, was created with the participation of young people themselves to respond directly to their needs and concerns. To this end it provides targeted solutions for three age groups: 12-14, 15-18 and 18+, adapting the content according to the maturity of the user and the issues that may concern him. It also addresses the wider environment of minors, such as parents, teachers, coaches, etc. In the heart of the philosophy of SafeYouth App is to protect children’s physical and mental health, cultivating an open line culture between young people and competent bodies. SafeYouth App is not just an application with advice and instructions, but a valuable tool that enables young people to act immediately when they feel threatened. Whether a child receives derogatory or threatening messages in social media, or faces delinquent behaviors in the school environment, or feels that someone is watching her/him on the street, with SafeYouth App has a digital tool that can support and protect him. Any young person who feels threatened can immediately contact the Greek Police in four ways: online with the telephone line “10201” for information or complaint, through a special platform for submitting anonymous or surname complaints to gov.gr in an easy and quick manner, with an emergency number “100” for immediate assistance and with Emergency Button for silent communication with Direct Action in emergency situations. The SafeYouth application, another donation from the Vodafone Foundation to Greek society, comes to complement initiatives taken by the state to promote the security and information of children about the Internet and violence. Through the combination of technology and social supply, the Vodafone Foundation creates a place of trust for young people, giving them the resources to cope with difficult situations and understand their rights. See in detail all the features of the application in the following video: