Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling on the European Commission to come up with additional legislative measures to protect victims of cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying is a growing phenomenon and a significant issue for young people across Europe and indeed the world. Unlike ‘real-world’ bullying, which ends when the victim’s situation changes, such as when school ends, cyberbullying can continue for its victims at any time,” a study of the European Parliament shows.

Victims often feel powerless and isolated, and hardly report the abuse to parents or teachers. In some cases, it can lead the victim to substance abuse, self-harm, and even suicide.

According to the European Parliament, legislators have been trying to keep pace with recent developments, but stronger action at the EU level is needed to prevent cyberbullying.

There are local EU initiatives that address elements of the issue, for example, Ireland’s “Coco’s law.” However, these are fragmented, targeted provisions to address cyberbullying – there is no EU-wide anti-online bullying law.

That’s why the European Parliament wants more effective and dissuasive penalties for cyberbullies, better support for victims of cyberbullying, and more responsibility for online platforms.

In a resolution adopted on April 30th, lawmakers urged the European Commission to consider introducing EU-wide criminal provisions to address cyberbullying and close gaps in existing legislation.

“MEPs are concerned about increasing cyberbullying and image- or video-based abuse online, suggesting existing measures in place may not be sufficient. They want the Commission to assess whether a harmonized definition of cyberbullying at the EU level is needed, and whether it should be recognized as a cross-border EU crime,” the European Parliament states in a press release.

MEPs feel that online platforms should be held accountable in preventing and countering cyberbullying. This sentiment is fueled by the increasing use of AI technology in creating deepfakes and synthetic child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Lastly, the European Parliament calls on member states to prioritize prevention, education, and awareness-raising aimed towards children, parents, and educators.

In February 2026, the European Commission presented its action plan against cyberbullying. Among other things, the plan involved an EU-wide app where victims of online bullying can get help.

“Children and young people have the right to be safe when they are online. Cyberbullying undermines this right, leaving them feeling hurt, lonely, and humiliated. No child should be made to feel this way,” Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen said at the time.

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