Parliament has unanimously approved legislation making it mandatory to contact parents or guardians in the event of a child’s absence from nurseries, daycare centres, or home-based childminders. The law incorporates amended proposals put forward by DISY MP Marios Mavridis.
Under the new provisions, in cases where a child or infant is absent, staff at kindergartens, nurseries, or home-based care must attempt to contact each registered phone number of the parent or guardian twice. If communication is not possible, a warning text message will be sent before the police are notified.
Failure to comply with these obligations could result in a fine of up to €200.
Mr Mavridis explained the proposal became necessary after incidents in which children tragically died after being left in cars in hot weather.
DIKO MP Chrysis Pantelides welcomed the proposal, expressing hope that no parent would have to face such a tragedy in future.
AKEL MP Andreas Kafkalias criticised the government, saying that even four months after the tragic death of an infant left in a car, it had yet to respond or issue a single directive.
DISY MP Savia Orphanidou noted that the proposal was not a reaction to the recent incident but had been tabled earlier, and congratulated Mr Mavridis on a bill that could save lives.
Independent socialist MP Kostis Efstathiou also praised Mr Mavridis for the initiative, questioning whether a law should be required for something so self-evident and suggesting schools should take the initiative themselves.
DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvides stated the law would enhance the education system by improving child safety.
DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonides stressed that educators should be concerned when a child fails to show up and thanked Mr Mavridis for bringing the bill forward.
Also read: Mandatory parental/guardians’ notification for kindergarten absences
Source: CNA
