Cyprus Safer Internet Centre - CYberSafety

Last updated: 2023-12-19

About our SID activities

The Safer Internet Day (SID) initiative in Cyprus encompasses a month-long series of activities throughout February, culminating in the highlight of the SID conference. The SID 2024 Campaign in Cyprus includes a Safer Internet Day conference (6 February), school-based activities all over Cyprus and the broadcasting of short video clips on TV Channels. In line with the European Digital Principles, the goal is to offer age-appropriate digital services and ensure every child in Cyprus is protected, empowered and respected online, and no one is left behind.

The conference aims to foster responsibility, respect, ethics and empathy among teachers, students, Internet-related institutions, the government and other stakeholders to make the Internet a better and safer place for information, communication, entertainment and learning. Speakers with expertise on the subject share their knowledge and experiences and answer questions from participants. 

Before the Safer Internet Day (SID) conference, there will be a student short video content themed around ‘Together for a better Internet’. Winning entries will be showcased during the SID conference, and clips from these videos and a promotional video for helpline and hotline services will be broadcast on all Cypriot TV channels throughout February.

Throughout this month, schools are encouraged to host activities to support Safer Internet Day. The aim is to empower children and young persons to take action and contribute to a more positive internet environment by displaying kindness and respect towards others online. This includes safeguarding their online reputation as well as those of others. 

What we are doing to create a better internet: 

As part of the Safer Internet Day (SID) campaign, the Cyprus Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is initiating an information drive targeting children, young people, parents, teachers, industry stakeholders, decision-makers, and politicians in Cyprus. The aim is to encourage everyone to actively contribute to the improvement of the internet.

Aligned with the SID theme of ‘Together for a Better Internet’, the centre will conduct training courses, including workshops, presentations, and events designed for students, teachers, and parents. The objective is to promote safe and effective internet use, emphasising the collective effort needed to create a better online environment.

About us

The Cyprus Safer Internet Centre, building on European funding as part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) project, aims to strengthen efforts for the creative and safe use of the internet in Cyprus. Focusing on the new and growing needs resulting from the changes at the national and European levels, the Center promotes cooperation between the national bodies involved to create a Safer Internet culture. Cyprus SIC aims to create a safer and better internet, where kids, their parents, teachers and the wider public are empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively. 

An awareness centre supports the work of the Centre by developing rich educational/information material, resources and tools. It also organises campaigns to empower children, young people, parents, caregivers, and teachers with the skills and knowledge needed for online safety while highlighting the benefits of the digital environment. Additionally, the awareness centre collaborates closely with children and young individuals, encouraging them to actively share their experiences, ideas, and points of view. This collaboration reinforces their ability to propose suggestions and take actions related to the creative and safe use of digital technologies and the internet. Members of the CYberSafety Youth Panel serve as ambassadors and work to develop innovative resources, disseminating messages about internet safety among their peers and other relevant groups.

The helpline and hotline also support the centre's work. The helpline operates to ensure that users receive expert guidance and assistance on matters concerning the use of digital technologies and the internet. Specifically, it offers information, advice, and support to children, young people, parents, teachers, and professionals, addressing issues such as harmful content, inappropriate contact (e.g., grooming), and improper conduct (for instance, cyberbullying or sexting). Meanwhile, the hotline serves as a direct, easily accessible, and responsible point of contact for users to report instances of illegal content or actions related to the illegal dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Additional links/resources