As part of ongoing efforts to address an increase in reported cases of violence among youths, Greece’s Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis confirmed this week that the previously announced “Safe Youth – Panic Button” initiative would go on the air on Monday, Nov.11.
The new tool allows children and parents to report an emergency and call for immediate police assistance with a touch of a button.
In an interview to MEGA channel this week, Chrisochoidis said that both the panic button and 10201 hotline will serve as tools that will ensure the safety of children.
In the first 10 months of the year, said the minister, there have been 12,000 reported juvenile arrests up from 8,600 last year. Incidents concern youths aged 13 to 17, he said, adding that a great part of the responsibility concerns parents. “The parents’ accountability is significant,” he said adding that there was lack of adult supervision.
Chrisochoidis first announced the panic button for minors during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in September. The measure was previously available only in cases of domestic abuse.
In the same interview, the minister commented on the issue of uncontrolled supply of alcohol to minors and reiterated Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis’ announcement this week that legislation would soon be revised to allow police inspections of bars and establishments and harsher penalties.
