An electric bicycle project has been launched in Kyrenia

The Cypriot Parliament is considering an initiative to introduce a mandatory course on digital citizenship and the safe use of social media in all public and private schools.

The relevant bill was submitted last week by DISY MP Fotini Tsiridou. The document предусматривает systematic education for children on how to use social media and digital platforms safely and responsibly.

According to the MP, the aim of the initiative is not bans, but the prevention of risks that children face online.

“We want students to be able to prevent cases of online harassment, cyberbullying, and the illegal recording and distribution of audiovisual material,” Fotini Tsiridou noted.

Alongside the educational component, the parliament is also discussing measures to restrict children’s access to social media. This issue is already being actively considered in many countries around the world.

A number of states have taken the path of strict restrictions:

• Australia has banned the use of social media by children under 16
• Denmark is close to introducing a similar measure
• Greece, Spain, Italy, and Germany are studying the possibility of restrictions

In Cyprus, the focus for now is on introducing an educational course; however, the discussion of international experience shows that the authorities are seriously considering stricter regulation of the digital environment for children.