Local network to be established in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace to address threats to children
LOCAL NETWORK TO TACKLE CHILD SAFETY CONCERNS
Authorities in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are moving forward with plans to establish a Local Regional Network aimed at preventing and managing threats to children. The initiative, which was approved by the Regional Council, will include the participation of all relevant institutions across the region, as well as the child welfare organization “Hamogelo tou Paidiou” (The Smile of the Child).
The network will focus on a wide range of concerns affecting children, including abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, school violence, peer bullying, juvenile delinquency, and the misuse of technology and the internet. It will also address cases of missing or abducted children, as well as broader health and safety issues.
CONCERNING STATISTICS AND CALLS FOR COOPERATION
The proposal was introduced by Deputy Regional Governor for Social Policy, Alexandros Panagiotidis, who emphasized the urgency of the situation. Citing findings from the Centre for Planning and Economic Research, Panagiotidis noted that Eastern Macedonia and Thrace ranks second nationwide in bullying incidents, accounting for 42.25% of such cases in Greece.
“This is a period in which inter-agency cooperation is more necessary than ever. The data show that the situation is spiraling out of control,” he stated. While the motion passed unanimously, it also sparked debate. Differences of opinion arose over specific elements of the plan rather than its overall necessity. A verbal dispute between Regional Council Member Limberakis and Deputy Governor Panagiotidis ultimately ended with Council President intervention, prompting Limberakis to leave the meeting.
NETWORK GOALS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The primary objective of the network is to safeguard the rights and interests of all children residing in the region, regardless of language, origin, or faith. It aims to provide necessary support — psychological, social, and medical — to those in need, improve overall living conditions for children, raise awareness, and enhance public knowledge on child protection issues.
Promoting cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary cooperation will also be key. The network intends to leverage available services, experience, expertise, and resources to foster exchange among members and third parties. Reducing child-related incidents on an annual basis is a central target.
Additionally, the network plans to enable 24/7 emergency response mechanisms for children at risk, support research and training programs, monitor and evaluate ongoing efforts, and develop new models of best practices. Public outreach will include media campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize community involvement.
Furthermore, the network will encourage participation in programs at European, national, and regional levels, strengthen inter-agency communication, and pursue cooperation with similar national and international networks. One of the final components of the plan will be the collection and documentation of statistical data on child threats at the regional level, providing a vital tool for future policy and action.
