The European Parliament is urging the European Union to take more decisive and coordinated action against cyberbullying, calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws, clearer
legal definitions, and stronger responsibilities for online platforms.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday by a show of hands, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed the need for effective and deterrent penalties for cyberbullying offences. They also highlighted the importance of making it easier for victims to report abuse and closing legal gaps that prevent a full response to the scale of the problem.
Push for clearer criminal law at EU level
MEPs expressed concern about the rising cases of cyberbullying, including image- and video-based abuse. They warned that current legal tools may not be sufficient to deal with the growing threat online.
They are asking the European Commission to assess whether the EU should adopt a harmonised definition of cyberbullying and potentially recognise it as a cross-border crime. Another proposal under consideration is expanding the EU’s list of serious crimes to include hate crime, which could help address the most severe forms of online abuse.
Parliament also criticised the lack of a comprehensive EU framework for detecting child sexual abuse material online. It called on the Commission to act quickly and ensure that digital platforms implement effective voluntary reporting systems, stressing that companies already have a responsibility to maintain safe online environments for children.
Stronger platform responsibility under the Digital Services Act
MEPs placed significant emphasis on the role of online platforms in preventing and responding to cyberbullying. They warned that some business models may unintentionally encourage the spread of harmful and hateful content, particularly affecting minors, women, and LGBTIQ+ users.
They also raised concerns about algorithm-driven recommendation systems that can amplify divisive or abusive content while limiting the visibility of less harmful material.
Parliament is pushing for stricter enforcement of Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, which focuses on protecting minors online. MEPs urged the Commission to conclude ongoing investigations and opposed reopening the law for changes.
They also pointed to the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in online abuse, including deepfakes and non-consensual intimate content. Providers, they said, must comply with EU AI rules on transparency and labelling. MEPs further reiterated support for banning so-called “nudifier apps,” which are currently under legislative discussion.
Better protection and support for victims
The resolution also calls for stronger support systems for victims of cyberbullying. MEPs want increased funding for victim support organisations and the inclusion of cyberbullying response measures in national mental health strategies.
Member states are encouraged to prioritise prevention through education and awareness campaigns aimed at children, parents, and teachers. MEPs also stressed the need for swift implementation of the EU’s Victims’ Rights Directive to ensure consistent protection across all countries.
Background
Cyberbullying has become a major concern for the safety and wellbeing of young people across Europe, with many experiencing long-term psychological harm. In response to public pressure—polls suggest that a large majority of EU citizens support stronger action—the European Commission presented a dedicated action plan against cyberbullying in February 2026.
Despite some national initiatives, such as Ireland’s “Coco’s Law,” lawmakers warn that legal approaches across the EU remain fragmented, limiting the effectiveness of cross-border protection.