National Programme for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children 2023–2026
The National Programme for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children 2023–2026, adopted in 2023, is a comprehensive programme, outlining strategies to combat violence against children, including online threats. It emphasises coordination among institutions and the development of integrated services for victims. Through the implementation of the programme and the action plan, the aim is to reduce cases of violence and exploitation against children, as well as to collect uniform data on these cases.
Protection of Minors from Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation, and Child Pornography Law of 2014
The Prevention and Combating of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography Law of Cyprus (Law 91(I)/2014) establishes a comprehensive legal framework to prevent, suppress, and combat sexual offences against children, including sexual abuse, exploitation, child pornography, and solicitation for sexual purposes. It also addresses issues related to safeguarding children in digital spaces.
(Source: Website; Cyprus - Policy monitor country profile, 2025)
Sextortion
Child Focus decided to focus this year's edition of the Safer Internet Day on sextortion, an upcoming issue where teens are meeting a new 'hot' contact online and are quickly asked to get undressed in front of their webcam if they want to see more of their new friend... unfortunately, once the video has been made, the teenager is asked to pay a large amount of money or the video will be shared amongst his or her friends and family. Unfortunately, the blackmailing does not stop even if the payment is made.
Web Portal Internet Safety
The web portal Internet Safety https://internetsafety.pi.ac.cy/kids includes a repository of rich educational / information material, resources and tools for children, teachers and parents in order to help them use the digital and internet technologies in a safe and creative way. Especially, the website provides information and a learning space for ethical and useful use of the internet (possibilities and risks). In addition, the website provides interactive games, videos, as well as other informative resources, including materials developed by children themselves.
Do not feel pressured to share intimate photos, think about the consequences.
This is a poster which addresses the issue of sexting and urges children and young people to not succumb to pressure of sharing intimate photos in the online world. Such a poster was taken from a video prepared for students.
What to do if something goes wrong online?
In our Parenting Hub, Expert Videos section, Áine Lynch, CEO of the National Parents Council Primary offers advice for parents if something goes wrong online for their child.
What to do if images of my child are shared online?
In our parenting hub, expert videos section, Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher-Psychology, NUI Galway offers advice to parents on what to to do if intimate images of their child are shared online.
Be in Ctrl Campaign Videos
The Say No! film. It is a short film (10 minutes) based on a composite of real events developed by Europol. The film depicts the story of two teenagers, Anna and George, who become victims of online sexual coercion and exploitation. It explores the ways in which offenders may try to approach young people online and gain their trust in order to get sexual photos or videos of them. The film highlights the two main motivations offenders have for targeting a minor: sexual interest and/or economic interest.
Be in Ctrl
‘Be in Ctrl’ contains three lesson plans, an information pack for school leaders, and will be supported by a Police (Garda) Schools’ Talk. Produced in partnership with the Irish Police (An Garda Síochána), the ‘Be In Ctrl’ teaching resource has been developed to support teachers as they address the topic of online sexual coercion and extortion - often referred to as ‘webcam blackmail’.
Talking to your child about sexting
Simon Grehan, Project Officer with Webwise discusses some of the potential legal implications of underage sexting.
