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A sharp rise in reports of bullying and abuse has been recorded by Hope For Children, which said more than 2,000 children and parents have contacted its 24-hour helpline so far in 2024.
The organization’s CRC Policy Center reported 2,120 calls to Line 1466 this year, compared with 890 in 2023.
The helpline provides psychological, social and legal support to children and adults seeking guidance on issues including abuse, neglect and violence. The organization credited XM, a private company, for providing the technical infrastructure behind the service.
Many of the calls involved school bullying, behavioral issues, and online violence, the center said. However, a significant number were related to more serious concerns such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and child neglect. Calls are made by children themselves, as well as by parents or third parties, the organization noted.
“These numbers emphasize the need for accessible protection mechanisms,” the group said in a statement.
The helpline also supports the country’s foster care system by offering assistance to foster parents dealing with crises, particularly outside of government working hours. Additionally, the service has expanded to help families in need of basic necessities, including clothing, food and essential items for children.
Hope For Children said many of the challenges reported through Line 1466 are linked directly or indirectly to the increased use of social media and digital technology, which can increase pressure and exposure to risks.
In response, the organization conducts seminars and awareness campaigns for parents and educators to promote safe internet use and digital well-being.
“Education and awareness among children also play a key role,” the group said, adding that outreach workshops in 2024 reached about 7,000 students in public and private schools across Cyprus. These efforts are also supported by XM.
“Through our longstanding partnership with XM, we ensure a rapid response to child protection issues, enhancing our counseling and psychological support services,” said Andria Neocleous, executive director of Hope For Children. “This collaboration enables us to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives by providing a safe environment and immediate access to help when they need it most.”
The importance of helplines like Line 1466 is also underscored in child protection strategies by the European Union and the Council of Europe, which call on member states to provide child-friendly mechanisms for immediate intervention when rights are violated.
