Basic Information

The Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline is a service provided by the Cyprus Safer Internet Center project, coordinated by the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute

Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute

The Cyprus Neuroscience & Technology Institute is a non-profit, non-Governmental independent organization active in programs with future orientation in areas related to human brain-modern technology-social transformation and the repercussions of relevant research for humanity.-Founding history:The...

 (CNTI). The Helpline ensures that children and adolescents but also adults have the opportunity of conversing with experts in case they experienced something negative on the Internet. Educated psychologists provide support and essential advice so that the crisis is overcome and the situation is confronted with. Members of the public can reach the helpline at the number 7000 0 116, while the communication is completely confidential and anonymous.

The need for an operation of a Helpline has been stressed by the European Commission

European Commission

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....

, which supports the idea that the increasing rhythm of use of the Internet is disproportionate as far as the correct use and the moral education of using it is concerned. Consequently, a lot of children come into contact with pages containing inappropriate content or individuals who want to exploit them. Such cases usually cause fear and intensity, which needs equitable confrontation.

The Hotline is a member of the INSAFE

Insafe

Insafe is a European network of Awareness Centres promoting safe, responsible use of the Internet and mobile devices to young people. It is co-funded by the Safer Internet Programme.- Mission :...

 European network of Awareness Centres that promote the safe and responsible use of the Internet and mobile devices to young people. The mission of the Insafe cooperation network is to empower citizens to use the Internet, the mobile phone, as well as other online technologies, positively, safely and effectively. The network calls for shared responsibility for the protection of the rights and needs of citizens, in particular children and youngsters, by government, educators, parents, media, industry and all other relevant actors.

History

The service was first established in 2009, through the Cyprus Internet Awareness Center, and is co-funded by the Safer Internet Plus Program of the European Commission

European Commission

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....

, under Grant Number SIP-2008-CNH-143-802.

The Safer Internet Program of the European Commission

European Commission

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....

 (EC) has been instrumental in developing the Helpline network in Europe.

Visibility

The Helpine has run visibility events to promote Internet safety issues and has participated and contributed to various forums with the view to developing safer internet initiatives. It has also provided support and speakers for events run by educational organisations, industry associations and child welfare organisations. Interviews regarding the working of the Helpline are regularly given on TV, radio and the written press. It is vital that all relevant agencies work together to promote Internet safety and provide a safer Internet environment for all. The Cyprus Internet Helpline is also an active participant in the organisation of various events and activities to raise awareness in the context of the annual celebration of the International Safer Internet Day.

Related Projects

In addition to the Helpline, the Cyprus Safer Internet Center also operates the Cyprus Safer Internet Hotline

Cyprus Safer Internet Hotline

- Basic Information :The Cyprus Safer Internet Hotline is a service provided by the Cyprus Safer Internet Center project, coordinated by the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute . The Hotline promotes the safe use of the Internet in Cyprus...

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Sources

EC reference to helplines: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/projects/centres/index_en.htm#awareness_insafe

EC reference to the Cyprus Internet Helpline: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/apps/projects/factsheet/index.cfm?project_ref=SIP-2008-CNH-143802

ISAFE reference to Cyprus Internet Helpline: http://www.saferinternet.org/web/guest/centre/-/centre/cyprus

External links

• The Cyprus Internet Helpline, http://www.helpline.cyberethics.info

• INSAFE, http://www.saferinternet.org

• European Union’s Safer Internet plus Programme, http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/programme/index_en.htm