Education Minister Athena Michaelidou has briefed the House Education Committee on an initiative by the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts aimed at promoting reading and ensuring the responsible use of new technologies and artificial intelligence in schools.
Speaking after the session, Michaelidou said global trends highlight the need for careful, ethical use of AI in education.
“The data worldwide are worrying and force us to pay particular attention to the ethical dimension of AI and its careful use as a tool in the classroom,” she said.
The minister noted that the government has already drafted a national strategy on AI in education and issued guidance to teachers, describing the policy as a “good practice” also discussed at EU level.
She added that Cyprus is among the first countries participating in European pilot programs designed to strengthen students’ digital resilience and help them recognize and avoid online risks.
Michaelidou said the Academy proposed the creation of a specialized advisory committee to provide recommendations to the ministry, educators and parents on the use of AI in education — a suggestion she welcomed, saying it would be incorporated into broader policy planning.
Asked about recent incidents involving misuse of AI by students, she confirmed that a case had been reported and handled by a school and the authorities.
“AI is already part of our lives. We cannot remove it, but we can protect our children so they use it safely for educational and pedagogical purposes,” she said.
The minister also noted that Parliament has played a constructive role by highlighting the issue and supporting coordinated efforts to improve the safe and effective use of new technologies in schools.