Greece launches ‘Kids Wallet’ app to monitor children’s screen time
This government initiative aims to assist parents in managing their children’s online activities by providing tools for age verification, screen time monitoring, and content access control .
Greece introduced a state-operated mobile application named Kids Wallet, designed to assist parents in monitoring and managing their children’s online activities. This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance digital safety for minors and aligns with European Union efforts to standardise age verification across member states .
Key features of the app
- Age verification: Parents can confirm their children’s ages on digital platforms by uploading necessary documents, thereby creating a ‘digital identity’ for minors.
- Screen time monitoring: The app allows parents to set daily time limits for app and website usage, helping to manage the duration of their children’s online engagement.
- Content access control: Parents can specify which applications and websites their children are permitted to access, providing a tailored online experience.
- Privacy: While offering oversight, the app does not grant parents access to read their children’s private messages, maintaining a balance between supervision and privacy.
The application is integrated with Greece’s existing government services platform, which is widely utilised for various administrative tasks. Parents authenticate their accounts using their online tax identification credentials, ensuring secure access. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
Context
A 2024 survey by the Greek research organisation KMOP highlighted that 76.6% of children aged 9–12 have internet access via personal devices, 58.6% use social media daily, and 22.8% have encountered inappropriate content online. These findings showed the necessity for tools like Kids Wallet to safeguard children in the digital realm.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed support for the initiative, emphasising concerns about technology’s impact on family interactions. He noted the importance of fostering environments where families engage more directly, free from excessive screen distractions.
While the use of Kids Wallet is voluntary, the Greek government encourages its adoption and has invited major digital platforms to collaborate in its rollout. This approach aims to enhance child safety online without imposing mandatory restrictions, reflecting a commitment to both protection and personal freedom.
