TOGETHER FOR A BETTER INTERNET

From Cyprus Police - Tips for protecting children - 'TOGETHER FOR A BETTER INTERNET'

The use of the internet, modern "smart" mobile phones and all interactive technologies, is now 
part of our daily lives. The internet also hides risks, since several offences are carried out through 
cyberspace, either through the use of social media and e-mail accounts, or through various websites.

Children are particularly vulnerable to these risks, for whom prevention and advice on how to 
increase their critical ability in their online "tours" are very important factors for avoiding risks.

The Police, in order to protect users and especially the vulnerable group of children, cites minimum 
measures, which, if taken, can minimise the risks that may arise from the use of the internet.

Parents should bear in mind the following preventive measures:

• Teach your children that what they read or see online is not always true and encourage them to ask 
if they have doubts

• Let your children know that when something seems strange to them on the internet, they should 
report it to you. Their id name should never reveal their personal information or be of erotic content

• Children should be aware that if someone starts asking them questions about erotic content online or 
asks them for confidential information, then they should stop contacting them and inform their parents. 
It is also important to be aware of the risks that may arise from web cameras

• Always connect online with your children when they are under 14 years of age

• It is preferable for computers to be located in public areas in the home and not in the children's 
bedroom, in order to exercise the necessary control by you. The measure makes the underage user of 
the Computer feel that he is not free and uncontrollable

• Parents should be aware that when children use communication tools such as chat rooms, e-mail 
and instant messages such as msn messenger, they run the risk of contacting an online corruptor

Additional measures that can be taken by parents:

• Add accepted "sites" to your favorites list to create a personal online environment for your children

• Check your child's online activity using advanced internet software. Parental controls can help 
you filter out dangerous content, record the locations your child visits, and find out what they're doing 
there

• Use software that blocks annoying pop-ups to protect your children in this way

• Apply e-mail filters

The Police office operates the Office for combating electronic crime,whose role is to prevent and 
combat cybercrime, as well as to inform the public about the dangers arising from the use of the 
internet and the protection of children in particular.

The Office for Combating Electronic Crime is available to the public daily, including weekends and 
public holidays.