The Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline is a service provided by the Cyprus Safer Internet Center project, coordinated by the

Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute The Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (CNTI) 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 repercus ...

(CNTI). The

Helpline A helpline, or switchboard, is a telephone service which offers help to those who call. Many helpline services now offer more than telephone support - offering access to information, advice or customer service via telephone, email, web or SMS. ...

ensures that not only children and adolescents but also adults have the opportunity to converse with experts in case they experience something negative on the Internet. Educated psychologists provide support and essential advice so that the crisis is overcome and the situation is confronted. Members of the public can reach the helpline at the number 7000 0 116. The communication is completely confidential and anonymous. The need for an operation of a Helpline has been stressed by the

European Commission The European Commission (EC) is the executive of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (informally known as "Commissioners") headed by a President. It includes an administrative body ...

, which supports the idea that the increasing use of the Internet is disproportionate relative to its correct use and moral education. Consequently, many of children come into contact with pages containing inappropriate content or individuals who want to exploit them. Such cases usually cause fear and distress, which must be addressed. The Hotline is a member of the INSAFE 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 Cyprus ; tr, Kıbrıs (), officially the Republic of Cyprus,, , lit: Republic of Cyprus is an island country located south of the Anatolian Peninsula in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Its continental position is disputed; while it is ...

, and is co-funded by the Safer Internet Plus Program of the

, under Grant Number SIP-2008-CNH-143-802. The Safer Internet ProgramSafer Internet Program
/ref> of the European Commission 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. 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 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 (CNTI). The Hotline promotes the safe use of the Internet in ...

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

References

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External links

* The Cyprus Internet Helpline, https://archive.today/20120803204314/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 Internet in Cyprus Internet safety Ethics of science and technology Crisis hotlines