Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
A new legislative proposal aims to make the teaching of digital citizenship and safe social media conduct mandatory across all public and private schools in Cyprus, targeting an “institutional and social gap” in the protection of minors.
The bill, tabled at the latest plenary session by DISY MP Fotini Tsiridou, seeks to equip students from a young age with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly before “mistakes become wounds.” If passed, the law would integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum at every grade level, moving beyond sporadic workshops to a structured, pedagogical framework focused on critical thinking and the prevention of cybercrime.
The initiative arrives amidst growing national concern over the legal and psychological risks children face within unregulated digital algorithms. Tsiridou told Philenews that the state has been “late to act,” arguing that digital citizenship is now a “life lesson” as essential as traditional subjects.
The proposal focuses on teaching students to distinguish between legal and illegal digital behaviour, with a specific emphasis on respecting privacy, personal data, and the rights of others. By establishing a clear, enforceable framework, the bill aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to the knowledge required for self-protection online.
Critically, the draft legislation adopts a purely preventative approach rather than a punitive one. According to the explanatory report, the bill does not criminalise student behaviour or restrict freedom of expression; instead, it provides age-appropriate education tailored to a student’s maturity level.
This is designed to foster mental resilience, encouraging students to seek help when targeted by online predators or cyberbullying. The emphasis is placed on understanding the real-world consequences of digital actions, a move seen by advocates as a necessary step in modernising the Republic’s education system to reflect the realities of contemporary society.
The proposed law is expected to undergo review by the House Education Committee, where deputies will examine the practical implementation of the curriculum.
While some digital literacy elements currently exist within the “Health Education” modules, Tsiridou’s bill would elevate these topics to a standalone requirement, ensuring consistent delivery across both the public and private sectors.
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