Smile of the Child urges privacy after Ilioúpolis teen suicides

Two 17‑year‑old teenagers in the Ilioúpolis district of Athens died by suicide, sparking a public outcry over how such tragedies are reported. The child‑welfare organization "Smile of the Child" issued a statement urging the media, social‑media users and the public to handle the incident with care, respect for privacy, and responsibility. It warned that publishing personal notes, excerpts or graphic details can further harm grieving families and other vulnerable youths, and may turn the children’s pain into content.

The organization called for an end to sensational coverage, emphasizing the need for protective measures and mental‑health support. It reminded the audience of the free, 24‑hour SOS helpline (1056) and the 24‑hour suicide‑prevention line (1018) staffed by psychologists and social workers, urging anyone in crisis to seek help. The statements also highlighted broader concerns about systemic failures in mental‑health prevention and the pressure on young people in a competitive environment.