About Safer Internet Day 2026EU Commission publishes action plan against cyberbullying

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2026 on February 10, the EU Commission presented an action plan against cyberbullying. The aim is to take sustainable and effective measures against this persistent problem. According to a survey, one in six people aged 11 to 15 across the EU have been cyberbullied. One in eight people have themselves bullied others online. We present the measures envisaged in the action plan against cyberbullying.

A sad looking boy sits on the floor against a wall

The action plan that has now been presented is based on three pillars:

  • A coordinated EU approach to protection
  • Prevention and awareness raising
  • Reporting and support

The measures also include the development of an app for young people that can be used throughout the EU. This app will enable those affected to report incidents to a national hotline. They will also receive support in the app and be able to securely store and transmit evidence. The concept for the app is being developed by the EU Commission; the member states can then translate and adapt the application and link it to national help and support services. The app should enable affected children and young people to protect themselves, defend themselves against online bullying and hold those responsible to account.

To improve the coordination of national approaches to combating cyberbullying, EU countries should develop national plans and collect and compare data based on a common understanding of cyberbullying. Existing initiatives and regulations are to be reviewed and revised. For example, the EU Commission will review the guidelines on the protection of minors under the Digital Services Act (DSA) with a particular focus on combating cyberbullying and adopt guidelines for trusted flaggers under the DSA. There will also be a particular focus on cyberbullying in the ongoing review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and in the implementation of the provisions of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation on prohibited AI practices.

Prevention and education play an important role as one of the three pillars of the action plan. Cyberbullying will be a particular focus in the upcoming revision of the "Guidelines for teachers and educators to combat disinformation and promote digital literacy through education and training". Resources for combating cyberbullying and for further training in schools and extracurricular educational work are also to be increased.

The action plan against cyberbullying will now be implemented together with EU countries, industry, civil society, international organizations and children themselves.

→ Here you can read the full text of the action plan (only available in English)