Cyprus Local Reference INFOrmation
Information for parents with teenagers on youth organisations, youth employment law, driving, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a difficult process, with youths having to face a wide range of complex issues. Youth policy in Cyprus is in the early stage of development and is under the direction of the Youth Board of Cyprus. The Youth Board of Cyprus (Oργανισμος Νεολαιας Κυπρου) is a semi-government organisation that aims to promote progress and prosperity among young people in Cyprus. The board promotes the active participation of youth in the development of the country. Some of the programs offered by the Youth Board include: the annual Youth Festival, the European Youth Card, Youth Information Centres, counselling services, European Union "YOUTH" program, Narcotics Hotline (1410), and the Multifunctional Youth Centre in Ekali.
The Centres for Youth Information (KEPLI) provide young people with general information and counselling services.
Counselling services are available at some KEPLI centres. The counselling service, called "Proposition", is free and available to young people and families who encounter problems in their lives.
Education and School Holiday ProgrammesCypriot society places a great deal of importance on education and most teenagers spend some of their free time involved in educational activities organised by the school or by other institutions. As Cyprus is a European Union member state, students in Cyprus may apply for grants offered by the European Commission under the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). Programmes offered under the LLP umbrella include:
The Comenius and ERASMUS programmes each aim to involve at least 3 million people over the duration of the programmes.
EmploymentThe number of years spent in education has increased over the past years and many youths enter the work force after graduating from a university. However, some decide to combine their studies with a part-time job or to take up a full-time job. Young people from 15 to 18 years of age may work up to seven hours per day. If they also attend school there should be a two hour break between their job and their study hours. They are not allowed to work overtime or from 23:00 to 07:00. People over 18 years of age are allowed to work eights hours daily with the maximum work hours per week determined according to the type of job. Current legislation sets minimum salaries and wages calculated on a monthly basis for the following occupations: sales workers, clerical staff and auxiliary staff in nursery schools, crèches and schools, security guards and employees with sanitation and caring duties in clinics, private hospitals and houses for the elderly. These rates are implemented by the Council of Ministers and readjusted on an annual basis. All other wages are determined through collective bargaining.
Finding a jobThe following organisations provide services and contacts for job seekers. Most operate in the Greek language only.
Youth DrivingThe minimum driving ages in Cyprus are:
Comprehensive information about obtaining a driver's license is available on the AngloINFO INFormation Page Getting a Driving Licence in Cyprus. Motor vehicle insuranceAll vehicles in Cyprus must be insured for at least third-party risks and most insurance companies will provide only third-party insurance for beginner drivers. The rates available for insurance on cars and motorcycles driven by teens and youths vary. Research shows that road-traffic accidents can be a major cause of injury and death among young people but they appear to be an especially serious problem in Cyprus. The primary causes of these accidents, according to the police, are speeding, careless driving and alcohol consumption. Various "traffic-awareness" education programmes have been introduced in schools, as well as stricter penalties for traffic violations. Drinking and drivingThe minimum age at which a person may buy alcohol in Cyprus is 17; the legal blood-alcohol content (BAC) level for drivers is 0.9 mg/ml. DrugsThe use of addictive substances by teens does occur in Cyprus. The authority responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all actions against drugs is the Cyprus Anti-Drugs Council. Both the use and possession of drugs are considered to be serious criminal offence in Cyprus and their penalties range up to life imprisonment. Several (Greek-language) organisations provide support to people with substance abuse problems:
Teenage PregnancyCyprus has one of the lowest rates of extra-marital birth in Europe, though the rate of unwanted pregnancies and abortion have increased during recent years. Research shows that sex education is inadequate in Cyprus schools and within families. The Cyprus Family Planning Association offers informal education and support for young people who need advice regarding sexual and reproductive issues.
The Ministry of Finance offers a child benefit to single mothers who are not entitled to a child benefit from the Social Insurance services.
Abortion in Cyprus is allowed only in the following cases:
Further Information
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