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Cyprus Community of NSW to launch major exhibition on liberation struggle

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus Community of NSW to launch major exhibition on liberation struggle

The Cyprus Community of NSW is presenting a major public history exhibition, Cyprus: The Liberation Struggle 1955–1959, presenting an account of one of the defining periods in modern Cypriot history.

The official launch will take place on Tuesday 28 April at The Cyprus Club in Lakemba from 6pm and will include a lecture and guided tour of the exhibition, with a special guest joining via live link from Cyprus to formally open the event. The Community extends an open invitation to the wider public.

The exhibition draws on Australian archival material to document the events and how they were interpreted through Australian eyes.

Curated by Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, the Community’s Director of Archives and Heritage, the exhibition brings together photographs, documents and newspaper reports from the period 1950-1974 with a special emphasis on Australian sources.

“It’s an important exhibition, for the Cyprus community, for all Greeks, for all Australians, to re-discover the struggle for freedom, the people’s aspiration for independence, and their right to self-government, identity, culture and history,” Dr Diamadis said.

Honorary Community President Michael Kyriacou said the initiative reflects a community evolving with purpose and scale.

“This is what a modern community does – it organises, preserves, educates and shares. It encourages reflection and informed discourse to better understand the past within the Australian context,” Mr Kyriacou said.

The exhibition forms part of the Community’s broader transformation into a modern organisation, a leading centre for heritage, scholarship and public engagement in Australia.

The exhibition experience is enhanced through a digital QR code-guided tour, allowing visitors to engage with each installation through curated commentary and historical context.

Cyprus: The Liberation Struggle 1955–1959 is accompanied by a catalogue produced by the Cyprus Community Archives and Heritage Subcommittee and edited by Dr Diamadis.

Drawing from his foreword, Mr Kyriacou added, “Understanding the past is essential to building a future grounded in dialogue, awareness and respect. This work stands as both a tribute and a responsibility – to honour those who came before us and to ensure their story is properly understood.”

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Antonis Sammoutis, described the period as a defining moment of sacrifice and national resolve: “Nothing can diminish the magnitude of the sacrifice of our heroes… who shook the foundations of centuries of subjugation and raised the sun of freedom over the island.”

The exhibition reinforces intergenerational engagement. As Youth Committee Honorary President Vasili Panayi writes, the story remains deeply personal within the diaspora.

“History hits different when it’s your own story,” he notes, reflecting on a generation that “believed deeply that their country belonged to its people.”

A strong educational framework underpins the exhibition. Students are encouraged to visit, with structured school programs and bookings available online. Schools, churches and community groups are encouraged to organise visits, with guided tours available and lunch and refreshments offered as part of the experience.

The exhibition will be held at the Cyprus Community’s premises in Lakemba and will run from Tuesday 28 April to Friday 15 May.

To attend any of the scheduled lectures, or organise school, church or community group tours – including guided experiences with lunch or dinner – visit: www.thecyprusclub.org.au/exhibition

Workers allege unpaid super and delayed wages at Big Fat Greek as owner faces court action

The Greek Herald
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Workers allege unpaid super and delayed wages at Big Fat Greek as owner faces court action

An investigation by The Greek Herald has uncovered allegations from multiple former workers of unpaid superannuation and delayed wages at Sydney gyros business Big Fat Greek (Belmore), as the company and its director face ongoing legal action.

The claims emerge as the Fair Work Ombudsman pursues proceedings against Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd and its sole director, Peter Sinadinos, over the alleged underpayment of a “vulnerable” migrant worker.

The proceedings relate to an alleged failure to comply with a compliance notice requiring back-payment of wages and entitlements.

The regulator is seeking penalties of up to $46,950 against the company and $9,390 against Sinadinos personally, as well as orders for back payment, interest and superannuation. The matter remains before the court, with judgment reserved.

Workers describe pattern of delayed pay and missing super

Several former employees told The Greek Herald they experienced ongoing delays in receiving wages and, in some cases, believed superannuation contributions listed on payslips were not paid into their nominated funds.

“In the beginning we were always paid on time,” one former worker said.

“The super was very sophisticated, it didn’t prompt me to check. Then I heard stories from workers that, ‘we are not being paid super’. Once, twice, three times… then I went to check and there was no money in my super.”

Multiple sources alleged that, over time, wages were frequently delayed, with staff required to follow up payments directly.

“You would have to ask to be paid,” another former employee said.

One worker said employees were expected to perform their duties while waiting to receive outstanding wages. One worker claimed they are still owed up to $10,000 in wages and entitlements.

“He always owed you — you were never paid in full,” the source said.

Workers described a recurring cycle in which wages were owed, partially paid, and then owed again.

“There were times when I had no money in my account, no money for fuel to get to work,” one source said.

Some former workers said they believed that raising concerns or resigning could jeopardise their chances of recovering outstanding pay.

Staff also described sending messages, letters of demand, or threatening to leave in order to receive payment.

Multiple former employees described similar experiences across different roles, from kitchen staff through to management.

Business closure and administration complicate recovery

Big Fat Greek (Belmore), which operated from October 2021 until its closure in 2024, has since entered external administration.

One worker told The Greek Herald they attempted to pursue their claim through the Fair Work Ombudsman, but the matter could not proceed after the relevant employing entity was placed into administration.

Former workers said the closure heightened concerns they may not recover outstanding wages or superannuation.

The Belmore store operated alongside a separate Big Fat Greek outlet in Campbelltown, with staff reportedly working across both locations.

Legal context and expert view

Mia Pantechis, an employment Principal Lawyer from Maurice Blackburn, told The Greek Herald employers may delay payments as a “deliberate attempt” to avoid paying employee entitlements pursuant to awards, enterprise agreements, or employment contracts.

Employers may also underpay or delay payments to staff where there is a payroll compliance issue, Ms Pantechis said.

Generally, an employer will be in breach if it fails to pay wages in full, at least monthly according to the Fair Work Act 2009 — a nationwide law.

Ms Pantechis says laws have been strengthened to make intentional wage theft a criminal offence.

Regarding unpaid superannuation, she says it can have a “profound effect” on retirement income, and new laws from 1 July 2026 will deter superannuation theft.

“These changes have strengthened the superannuation system and provide more rights to employees who have been denied superannuation payments,” she said.

Court records show that in August 2025, Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd was found to have contravened workplace laws by failing to comply with a compliance notice, with the court declaring that Sinadinos was involved in the contravention.

Corporate records reveal multiple entities and legal actions

Corporate records reviewed by The Greek Herald show that multiple entities associated with the “Big Fat Greek” name have been registered, deregistered or subject to external administration over time.

These include:

  • Big Fat Greek Pty Ltd, which was wound up following court action initiated by the Australian Taxation Office in 2024
  • Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd, which is subject to Fair Work Ombudsman proceedings and strike-off action
  • Big Fat Greek (Concord) Pty Ltd, which was deregistered in 2023
  • Big Fat Greek Campbelltown Pty Ltd, which remains active under a different company name

Corporate records also indicate that Sinadinos declared bankruptcy in April 2025.

Separately, in 2024, Federal Court proceedings found that Sinadinos and his wife had engaged in insolvent trading in relation to a container freight company, resulting in orders exceeding $6.5 million.

No findings of illegal phoenix activity have been made in relation to any of the entities.

*The Greek Herald has contacted Peter Sinadinos for comment.

Patmos revisited: A journey into culture and faith through Easter traditions

Kathy Karageorgiou
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Patmos revisited: A journey into culture and faith through Easter traditions

I visited Patmos in the summer of 1994 with my Australian then fiancée now husband, on a whirlwind Greek island tour. We stayed for only two nights and I’m now ashamed to admit that our visit to Patmos — arguably the most holy of islands, was focused on discovering yet another “perfect” Greek beach. In our 20’s then, now in hindsight I in particular — as a Greek Australian — was a deficient visitor and host.

Our visit to the cave of St John’s apocalypse (where the Saint received visions from Christ leading to him writing the Book of Revelation in the late 1st century AD) was brief, as was that to the Monastery of St John the Theologian (built in 1088 by the monk Christodoulos supported by Byzantine Emperor Alexios 1 Komnenos).

Interior of the cave of St John’s apocalypse.
John the Apostle on Patmos. Artist Jacopo Vignali, 17th century.
Orthodox Priests enter the Monastery of Saint John’s.

The importance of these sites led to UNESCO’s 1999 World Heritage Listing and includes Chora, the island’s capital with its significant Byzantine architecture and two museums. Nor was I aware of Patmos’ reference as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean” or “2nd Jerusalem.”

Over the years, my naivety and ignorance regarding such an important island linking Byzantine Greek Orthodoxy and beyond, has evolved into a desire to learn more. Unfortunately, not having had to opportunity to visit Patmos again, I decided that researching and writing this article about Easter in Patmos would be a perfect place to start and to share with others.

Mosaic above the entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse.

I was fortunate enough to speak with a native of Patmos, Mattheos Melianos, a now retired, former Μayor, as well as teacher of the renown and UNESCO-listed, Patmian School. This school, instrumental in preserving the Greek language, culture and faith, particularly during the Ottoman occupation, was founded in 1713 and is often referred to as the “General School of the Nation.”

Melianos confirms that Easter in Patmos differs from the rest of Greece due to its Byzantine atmosphere.

“This incorporates customs taking place from Palm Sunday, throughout the week until Easter Sunday, and beyond,” he says.

Mattheos Melianos.

For example, on Holy Thursday in Chora, the Abbot of the Monastery, representing Jesus, washes the feet of 12 monks, as Christ did to his disciples. On Good Friday, an intense atmosphere dominates in the re-enactment of the descent of Christ from the crucifixion cross — “the moment Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus removed Jesus’ body from the cross, as described in the Gospel accounts of the Passion” — emphasising Christ’s sacrifice and humanity in terms of death, in lieu of his holy manifestation in resurrection.

In the evening, the Epitaph processions in Patmos are quieter and more austere compared to other parts of Greece.

Melianos emphasises that on the morning of Holy Saturday in the parishes of Patmos and in the Monastery, the service of the 1st Resurrection is held: “There’s a pre-ringing of the midnight resurrection bells in the morning, foretelling the Resurrection which begins with the hymn ‘Arise, God’, in a grand and Byzantine atmosphere.”

The Saturday Anastasi (Resurrection) of Christ is then celebrated at midnight as in the entirety of Greece, with festivities such as fireworks and blasting of ship horns in the ports. 

Monastery of St John above Chora.

During the all-important Easter Sunday, with its feasting and celebration, there is an added important element in Patmos.

On Easter Sunday afternoon, the Gospel is read in many languages as part of the Liturgy of Christ and God’s love, highlighting the message of the Resurrection for the entire world, and not just exclusively for the Greek Orthodox faith.

Melianos surprised me by saying that “during the entire week after Easter, there are more Easter commemorations — Monday is likened to day one of Easter for example. On this day, the Municipality holds a feast for all to attend, in the square of the city’s port Skala.”

Of the Tuesday that follows (Easter) he says: “We call it ‘new Tuesday’. Icons are taken out of the churches into the town squares and then into residents homes, extending the celebrations and message of the Risen Christ.”

Continuing, he narrates the Friday (after Easter) as the day of the Zoodochos Pigi, which celebrates the well that gives water to the Virgin Mary, symbolising granting life to the people.

Chora.

Sunday, of the week after Easter, ends with the feast of St Thomas, the doubter. Melianos says this Saint preached in India too, adding: “Pilgrims still come from there every year.”

I surmise that Patmos’ Easter homage reaches far — spatially and spiritually.

It’s never too late as they say, and now I know that Easter in Patmos is a sacred experience. The combination of history, culture and traditions in Patmos rekindle and reinforce faith, on a level beyond more secular Easter experiences, to say the least.

Easter in Cyprus and the diaspora: A testament to resilience, renewal and unity

The Greek Herald
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Easter in Cyprus and the diaspora: A testament to resilience, renewal and unity

By Michael Peters Kyriacou, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW

For Cyprus, Easter is the defining heartbeat of the year.

Rooted in the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith and shaped by centuries of history, it speaks to something deeper: identity, continuity, resilience, renewal, faith and enduring hope.

Above all, Easter represents resilience and continuity, connecting Cyprus’ ancient past, Christian heritage and modern community life in a living expression of hope, renewal and collective spirit.

Across Cyprus, and the diaspora Easter is lived — not observed.

Churches are adorned with flowers, the Epitaphios moves solemnly through the streets, and the midnight proclamation of “Christ is Risen” brings communities together in a shared moment of light. Red eggs are cracked, families gather, ‘flaounes‘  traditional Cypriot cheese-filled pastries, are baked.

These are not rituals for show — they are expressions of belonging, continuity and meaning.

Easter in Cyprus is more than tradition — it is resilience and renewal.

Since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the ongoing occupation of the north, these traditions have not diminished — they have strengthened. Churches were lost, communities displaced, villages divided. But Easter endured — quietly affirming that identity, faith and culture cannot be erased.

Cyprus remains a spiritual anchor.

Through the legacy of the Church of Cyprus, one of the oldest autocephalous churches, the island continues to carry a message that has outlived conflict, division and time itself – a message that resonates across the diaspora.

Recent remarks by Hulusi Akar suggesting a “last Easter” for Greek Cypriots on the island stand in stark contrast to everything Easter represents: peace, renewal and our shared humanity. Many within the Cypriot community — especially those who lived through displacement — see that contrast clearly. On one side: light, renewal and hope. On the other: division and hostility. History has already answered which endures.

Easter is not defined by rhetoric. It is defined by resilience.

At its core, it is a call to conscience – towards peace, reconciliation and responsibility. It reminds us that selfishness and division have no place in a meaningful life.

It calls on us to be better. To care. To give. To build.

That message has travelled.

In Australia, the Cypriot community in New South Wales has not simply preserved these traditions — it is renewing them. Easter is lived. Families gather, values are passed on, and community remains central. But renewal is not passive. The Cyprus Community of NSW, as an institution, is itself in renewal — actively building.

Through scholarships, leadership programs, youth pathways and active subcommittees, it is shaping a future grounded in opportunity, inclusion and participation. From heritage and archives to youth, welfare, the arts and education – this is a living organisation.

Like the message of Easter — which is for all — so too is the Community: open to all to step forward, to contribute, and to help build something meaningful. A community for young families, for youth, for our elderly and our neighbours — a place of opportunity for connection, growth, purpose and renewal.

The recent Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards reflect this clearly — recognising not status, but contribution; not words, but impact. They honour those who make a difference — those who help, who heal, who renew, and who advance tolerance through action.

cyprus australia achievement awards (69)
Winners of the Cyprus Australia Achievement Awards 2025. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos

Easter reminds us of that truth.

Renewal is always possible — but only if we choose it.

And in a world too often defined by division, Cyprus — through its people — continues to stand for something better: peace, unity and inclusiveness.

The Cyprus Community of NSW wishes all a peaceful Easter — a time of reflection, renewal and renewed commitment to community, family, unity and the enduring values that bring us together.

Costa Georgiadis to feature at this year’s Little Food Festival in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Costa Georgiadis to feature at this year’s Little Food Festival in Melbourne

The Little Food Festival returns to Fed Square in Melbourne next weekend, April 15–16, for its eighth year. While it’s designed with kids in mind, it speaks just as strongly to adults and how food is understood, valued and engaged with.

The festival is a free community event which offers a lens into how food literacy — understanding where food comes from, how it’s grown, and the impact of our choices — can shape healthier, more sustainable habits across entire households. It’s as much about re-engaging adults as it is about educating kids.

Only 4.3% of Australian children meet the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables, and that figure declines as they grow. It’s a statistic that points to a broader issue: a growing disconnect from food systems that doesn’t begin and end in childhood.

This year’s special guests include founder Dr Sandro Demaio, produce expert Thanh ‘Fruit Nerd’ Truong, and everyone’s favourite gardener Costa Georgiadis.

Costa brings an intergenerational perspective to the conversation — from growing up in backyard gardens where sharing plants was a form of currency, to learning about soil, composting and seasonal eating from his family.

His Greek heritage also plays a meaningful role in shaping his approach to food — where growing, cooking and sharing meals are deeply cultural acts, rooted in generosity, community and connection, and traditions he continues to champion in a way that resonates with a broad Australian audience.

He is a compelling voice on why food and sustainability education isn’t about perfection or restriction, but about simple, practical shifts — buying seasonal produce, embracing imperfect ingredients, and recognising the social value of cooking and sharing meals.

Event Details:

Janus Bar serves a taste of Greece to Sydney’s CBD crowd

The Greek Herald
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Janus Bar serves a taste of Greece to Sydney’s CBD crowd

The popular Sydney Bligh Street souvlaki spot Janus Bar has been treating bankers and lawyers to a smokey taste of Greece. Nestled between Chifley Square and Governor Phillip Tower, Janus Bar is owned by George Michael and managed by Georgina Ellenis.

Michael attributes Janus’ popularity to its versatility — it can be a quick lunch or a place to linger. He recalled the dire pandemic days.

“I remember $200 days,” he told The Australian Financial Review. “No one was coming back into the city, especially in this building. Other areas were getting more people. We had to push and do something different, so I pulled the barbecue out.”

Manager Ellenis clarified that Janus didn’t always have yeeros available. “At first, we only did the yeeros on certain days, Tuesdays and Fridays. Once we started doing this, it hasn’t stopped. They stay here all afternoon. They like the theatre of the barbecue, the smell. You can’t really get an outdoor barbecue in the city.”

Janus’ drinks also draw a crowd. Ellenis said Sapporo beer, sauvignon blancs and Aperol spritzes are favourites.

The financial appeal of Janus bar makes it a favourite compared to its high-priced neighbours, Chophouse, Grill Americano and Rockpool Bar & Grill. While Chophouse sells a double lamb chop for $62, fresh barbecued chicken or lamb wrapped in pita can be snapped up for $21 at Janus.

One Janus regular said, “As an investment banker, Janus is a good place to meet with clients when wanting an option out of the office.” Another referred to it as a “mullet… business in the front, party in the back.”

Source: Australian Financial Review

Director Margaret Thanos set to make her Sydney Theatre Company debut

The Greek Herald
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Director Margaret Thanos set to make her Sydney Theatre Company debut

Award-winning Cypriot Australian director Margaret Thanos is set to make her Sydney Theatre Company debut with Jez Butterworth’s 2012 play The River.

The River‘s intimate and unsettling story follows a man and his girlfriend on a nighttime fishing trip, with the woman swapping roles with other actors, raising questions about his past relationships.

Previously staged in small, immersive theatres with actors like Dominic West and Hugh Jackman, the play now opens at the Sydney Opera House, starring Ewen Leslie and Miranda Otto, her first stage role in over ten years.

Thanos received a call from Sydney Theatre Company’s new artistic director Mitchell Butel to direct the play. The call came after Miranda saw three of Thanos’ plays last year and recommended her to Butel. Miranda was impressed by Thanos’ ability to maintain a balance between humour and horror.

Thanos has directed The River like a cautionary dating tale. “There is probably nothing more terrifying than going away with your new boyfriend and realising while you are there that you have no idea who he is,” Thanos tells The Australian. “And that’s what happens to Miranda’s character in the show.”

This debut comes as Thanos also recently directed A Mirror for Belvoir St Theatre, a comedy first performed in London which skews politics, war, egotism and bureaucracy. 25-year-old Thanos also completed a term as the Andrew Cameron artist in residence at Belvoir.

Raised in Melbourne, Thanos remembers turning to her mum after her first drama class aged seven and saying “I’m doing that forever.”

While acting is what started Thanos’ love affair with theatre, she acknowledges that she was “always a director” and as President of the University of Sydney’s Drama Society she was able to harness her passion for directing.

Her taste for scandalous theatre started in high school when she staged a play with themes of suicide. “There was no greater feeling to me than watching a group of people bring to life something that I helped facilitate,” she said.

Thanos also mentioned her ambitions to direct cinema and win an Oscar award.

The River is at the Sydney Opera House until May 9.

Source: The Australian

Multicultural Minister Anne Aly sends Orthodox Easter wishes

The Greek Herald
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Multicultural Minister Anne Aly sends Orthodox Easter wishes

The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Federal Minister for Small Business, International Development, and Multicultural Affairs, has issued a formal message wishing Orthodox communities a Happy Easter.

Full Message in English:

As Orthodox communities across Australia gather with family and loved ones to mark this sacred occasion, I send my warmest wishes for a blessed and peaceful Easter.

Orthodox Easter is a time of reflection, faith and renewal. It is a celebration of hope after hardship, light after darkness, and the comfort and strength that comes from family, culture and community.

Throughout Holy Week, traditions such as the procession of the Holy Shroud, the sharing of the Holy Light and the cracking of red eggs are important expressions of enduring faith and connection to heritage.

In a world of uncertainty, the message of Easter is especially meaningful. It reminds us to care for one another, to stand together in compassion and understanding, and to hold on to hope.

May this Easter bring peace to your homes, strength to your hearts and joy to your celebrations.

Happy Orthodox Easter!

The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP

Travel to Greece changes for Australians as EU launches biometric Entry/Exit System

The Greek Herald
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Travel to Greece changes for Australians as EU launches biometric Entry/Exit System

In effect from today, Australians travelling to Europe will have their faces and fingerprints scanned at borders across 29 countries as the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamping.

Greece is among the countries to implement this new biometric data collection designed to track who enters and leaves the continent.

Other countries in the Schengen Zone who will activate the EES system are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Cyprus and Ireland will maintain the use of manual passport stamping.

Travellers could also be questioned about the reason for their visit. Tighter screening comes amid ongoing Middle East conflict disrupting global travel while the European Commission reports over 25,000 people have been denied entry to Europe since the EES gradual rollout last year due to invalid documents or insufficient travel justification.

Travel experts warn of delays at airports, ports and international train stations as the digital system is activated. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents hundreds of airlines worldwide, voiced its concerns about the effectiveness of the EES.

“There is a complete disconnect that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience,” IATA said in a statement. “We need to be realistic about what will happen during the peak summer months, when traffic at Europe’s airports doubles.”

Migration law expert at the University of Sydney, Mary Crock told ABC News the decision reflected part of a wider international shift toward increased surveillance of international travellers, amid rising instability from the Middle East conflict.

“We are now moving into an age where the need to be aware of who’s travelling where… has probably never been more important,” Crock said.

The EES is not the only border security measure Europe will be implementing. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will be functional towards the end of the year and will require travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia, to apply for authorisation before departure.

Crock said the new systems were “fortuitous”, rather than something for Australians to be concerned about.

“Given the dangers that we’re facing with conflict in the Middle East, we are in a period where nobody quite knows what’s happening, who is going to try and retaliate and in what manner,” she said. “So, for all of those reasons, getting on top of the electronics of movement is a very sensible thing to do.”

How does EES work?

Non-EU citizens, including Australians who are travelling to the countries in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period will use the EES.

The free digital border system requires no pre-registration and will record the traveller’s photo, fingerprints and passport details each time they cross a border.

On arrival and depature, travellers will present their passport, have their photo taken and fingerprints scanned, and potentially answer questions about their accommodation or the purpose of their visit. Returning visitors will only undertake a quick biometric check. Children under 12 only require a facial scan. Irish passport holders and some EU residents are exempt.

If travelling through a connecting flight through a Schengen airport, the EES checks happen at the first point of entry into the Schengen area. Internal flights between Schengen countries usually will not require further checks.

Source: ABC News

Mitsotakis signals age limits for gaming, online gambling following social media ban

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis signals age limits for gaming, online gambling following social media ban

Following the Greek government’s announcement to enforce a social media ban for under-15s, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has defended the plan and indicated that gaming and online gambling will be the next sectors subject to age-based restrictions.

Citing concerns over mental health, Mitsotakis criticised social media platforms for their “infinite scrolling” design which aim to increase user time.

“Parents are desperate,” he said, acknowledging that the new restriction would give them “two weapons” in telling their children that social media use is illegal under the new rules and referring to the introduction of mandatory age verification by platforms which will be imposed from January 1, 2027.

Mitsotakis urged parents to consult the government platform parco.gov.gr for guidance on device settings and application restrictions while confirming that social media companies will be required to verify users’ ages.

He emphasised that the restriction is part of a broader initiative where gaming and online gambling will be addressed next.

Mitsotakis said Artificial Intelligence and its impact on education are also on the government’s radar.

“Do we want Artificial Intelligence and these applications to do our children’s homework, or should children do it themselves?” he questioned. “It is a reality — let’s not kid ourselves — it is already happening today as we speak.”

Source: Kathimerini

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