Combating Bullying with Technology
In a recent interview on CyBC radio, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou revealed that the government is exploring the possibility of launching an online platform to combat bullying. This initiative aims to provide children and parents with a direct channel to report bullying incidents. The announcement follows the introduction of a similar platform in Greece, which went live on Tuesday and can be accessed at https://stop-bullying.gov.gr.
According to Greek minister of labour Domna Michaelidou, children often struggle to communicate their experiences with bullying to their families. The proposed platform is designed to offer a confidential space for victims and their families to seek help and access resources. It will feature a comprehensive questionnaire that covers various aspects of the bullying incident, including the type of bullying and details about the perpetrator.
The platform will not only allow for the reporting of incidents but also provide educational material to support those affected by bullying. Christiana Georgaki, a spokeswoman for the Greek education ministry, explained that users can log in with existing credentials used for other educational services. Once a report is submitted, the school’s senior leadership team will review it and determine appropriate actions. For severe cases, reports may be escalated to higher authorities, such as local school administrations or even law enforcement.
Throughout the process, users will receive updates on the status of their report through the platform, ensuring transparency and communication. The Cypriot government is expected to make an official announcement about its own anti-bullying platform in the coming days, signaling a significant step forward in safeguarding children’s well-being in the digital age.
