THE HOUSE Education Committee yesterday called for a coordinated effort to protect children from the dangers of online exploitation.
The meeting was held following recent allegations that a middle-aged man had lured and sexually assaulted young girls through social networking site Facebook.
The matter was submitted for discussion in 2006 and a number of meetings have been held since to come up with measures to protect children.
“Suggestions were made to the government during these meetings; some weere implemented some are still pending,” said Committee Chairman Nicos Tornaritis of DISY said yesterday. “The fact of the matter is, unfortunately, the images, events and news bulletins we have been hearing almost on a daily basis lately cannot be overlooked. Our children are under threat and it is vital we take measures.”
He said preventive measures needed to be taken. “We have decided to suggest to the government to assign the Child Commissioner as the coordinating authority to deal with this matter; to hold meetings and come with specific proposals that will be turned into action. We need more information and education on the matter.”
A filter offered by the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA) for children’s computers is offered on a voluntary basis. But MPs are suggesting the free-of-charge service be made obligatory, as many parents aren’t even aware of its existence.
“I am sending a plea to all parents, protect your children. Get information, it is extremely important,” said Tornaritis.
Child Commissioner Leda Koursoumba said measures needed to be taken as a matter of urgency.
“The last thing I want is to demonise the internet; it is of vast importance for our children’s education. But we need to ensure they are not being exploited,” she said.
Koursoumba added that there were many countries where a filter for children is legally obligatory.
“I am glad that parliament has committed to keeping a close eye on the matter and we will be invited in a few months to see what progress has been made,” she concluded.
Athena Kyriakidou of DIKO said parents needed to protect their children, but also give them the power to protect themselves and not fall victim to online abusers.
She added: “CyTA’s filters should be offered automatically as there are many parents who aren’t aware they exist. We will see if this can be regulated legally.”