Better Internet for Kids

Every year, Safer Internet Day (SID) brings together children, young people, educators, parents, and organisations across the world to promote a safer and better digital environment.  

The celebrations in Cyprus extended beyond the official Safer Internet Day itself and continued throughout the month of February, engaging schools, families, and the wider community in discussions and activities on online safety, digital well-being, and responsible internet use.  

Student video production contest  

One of the highlights of the campaign was the national student video production contest on the creative and safe use of the internet, open to students from primary and secondary education. Students were invited to create short live-action or animated videos promoting creative, responsible, and safe internet use.  

Through the process of researching, developing messages, and producing their videos, students explored key topics such as online responsibility, digital creativity, and safe behaviour on the internet. The competition encouraged students to investigate digital issues, express their views, and communicate important messages to both children and adults in creative ways.  

At the same time, it supported the development of media literacy skills, including communication, collaboration, creativity, innovation, digital competence, and independent learning. Six awards were presented to outstanding student productions, two for each educational level (primary education, lower secondary education, and upper secondary education). 

National Safer Internet Day 2026 event   

The main Safer Internet Day event in Cyprus took place on 11 February 2026 and followed an interactive station-based format, allowing students to explore different aspects of online safety through hands-on activities and discussions. Moreover, the event included parallel sessions for primary and secondary education students, ensuring that all activities were age-appropriate and engaging.  

During the first part of the event, primary school students visited thematic stations where they participated in short interactive activities. Through experiential learning, they explored topics such as safe internet navigation, protection of personal data, and responsible online behaviour.  

In the second part of the event, primary school students attended the interactive presentation “GDPR and the 40 thieves,” delivered by a Data Protection Officer. Using storytelling and playful activities, children were introduced to basic concepts related to personal data protection. The activities helped children to better understand how to stay safe online while encouraging positive digital habits.  

At the same time, students from general and technical secondary education attended presentations and a panel discussion on the theme “Resilience in the era of the internet.” Speakers included members of the SIC youth panel, as well as experts and representatives from organisations working in digital safety and policy. Through their presentations and the panel discussion, they highlighted current digital challenges and practical ways young people can strengthen their resilience in the online world.  

In addition, secondary education students visited the thematic stations and participated in experiential activities that explored digital safety topics in greater depth.  

The event featured a variety of activity stations hosted by universities, organisations, and public bodies working in the fields of digital safety, education, and technology. These interactive stations allowed students to engage directly with experts while learning through exploration, teamwork, and problem-solving.  

School activities throughout February 

Safer Internet Day activities continued throughout February with schools participating in the Safe School for the Internet and Digital Pioneers programmes, and organised their own awareness-raising initiatives. Students, teachers, parents, and local stakeholders worked together to promote responsible digital behaviour through school events, workshops, and community actions.   

Supporting parents and caregivers 

Recognising the important role parents and caregivers play in supporting children’s digital lives is an online webinar for parents that was organised in cooperation with the Pancyprian School of Parents. The webinar, delivered by a psychologist, focused on strengthening children’s and adolescents’ resilience and well-being in the digital environment. It was open to parents across Cyprus and widely promoted through schools, allowing families nationwide to participate.  

New educational resources for schools and young people

As part of the Safer Internet Day campaign, newly developed educational and awareness materials were distributed to schools and students. These included:    

• information about the helpline 1480 in Cyprus
• bookmarks on online safety and cyberbullying
• guidance on age-appropriate digital use. 

These resources aim to support teachers, students, and parents in developing safer and healthier digital practices.  

The wide participation of schools, organisations, and families in the Safer Internet Day 2026 activities demonstrated Cyprus’s strong commitment to creating a safer, more positive digital environment for children and young people. Together, we can continue working toward a better internet for everyone. 

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Cyprus. Alternatively, find more information about the work of the Cypriot Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.