A deeply concerning picture of children’s mental health in Greece was presented by psychologist Stavroula Spyropoulou, Coordinator of the National Center for Abuse and Exploitation and the Support and Assistance Helplines Center at “The Smile of the Child,” during the fourth thematic session of the Thermopylae Forum 2026, titled “Minors in Crisis: What Is Happening to Young People? Delinquency, Addiction & the Influence of the Digital World.”

At the heart of her remarks was a figure that served as a wake-up call for everyone in the room: over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, there was a 30% increase in cases involving suicidal ideation and self-harm among minors. A total of 764 cases were recorded — an average of two children every day.

Ms. Spyropoulou placed particular emphasis on the fact that, in many cases, it is the children themselves who reach out to “The Smile of the Child” for help. As she explained, these children express anxiety, fear and loneliness, as well as a sense that they have no one by their side to support them.

“Whenever we are called upon to talk about children without including them in the conversation, something is missing,” she noted.

The central message of her remarks was that these children need therapeutic support — support that “The Smile of the Child” provides through its services and helplines.

Above all, Ms. Spyropoulou emphasized prevention, describing it as a top priority for everyone. As she stressed, attention must focus on what happens before a child reaches the point of harming another child or themselves. It is at this stage, through early intervention and support, that a real difference can be made.

Stavroula Spyropoulou’s remarks left the audience with a clear message: the figures are concerning, but there are services, professionals and resources available to support children, provided that society invests in prevention early enough, rather than waiting until the problem has reached a critical stage.

If you or a child you know needs support, you can contact “The Smile of the Child” National Helpline for Children SOS 1056 (available 24/7, free of charge) or the European Helpline for Children and Adolescents 116111. Both helplines operate 24 hours a day, and all communication is confidential.