The government is proposing a social media age limit of 15 as part of an action plan approved by the Council of Ministers to protect minors on online social networking services.
Under the proposed legislation, children below 15 would not be allowed to access social media platforms. The government plans to introduce a concept of a “digital age of majority”, with platforms themselves responsible for enforcing the restriction through reliable age-verification mechanisms.
The proposal is expected to go to public consultation shortly, with the government aiming to submit the bill to Parliament for approval in December.
Age verification through Digital Citizen
Before the bill is finalised, an assessment of its impact on children’s rights will be carried out. Public consultation will also take place through the “Citizen’s Voice” platform, alongside discussions with youth organisations and other relevant bodies.
The second pillar of the action plan focuses on a digital age-verification mechanism based on a technical solution proposed by the European Commission.
The mechanism is expected to be integrated into the Digital Citizen application within the next year. It would allow users to prove they meet the required age without sharing additional personal information.
The government had already announced plans to work with EU partners on an age-verification application for protecting children online.
Education and parental awareness
The third pillar focuses on education and awareness for children, parents and teachers on safer internet use.
The plan includes gradually restructuring school curricula across all education levels to introduce modules on the safe and creative use of the internet. Information Technology curricula in secondary and technical education will also be updated.
Teachers will receive training, while targeted campaigns, workshops and information sessions will be organised for students, parents and educators.
The plan also provides for further study on the permanent operation of Cyprus’ Safer Internet Centre services and the creation of mechanisms to report and address related incidents.
High social media use among young people
According to figures presented by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, 98% of young people in Cyprus actively use social media.
Eurostat data for 2024 show that 98% of people aged 16–29 in Cyprus and Greece participated in social networking activities, placing Cyprus among the EU countries with the highest levels of use.
The government says the action plan will be monitored and updated in response to technological developments and initiatives at the European level.
Also read: €9.7m upgrade planned for Digital Citizen app
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