Members of the European Parliament are urging tougher and more coordinated measures to tackle cyberbullying across the EU, warning that current national and EU-level tools remain insufficient to address the growing problem.

In a resolution adopted on 30 April 2026, MEPs highlighted alarming figures showing that one in six teenagers reports being a victim of cyberbullying, while one in eight admits to having engaged in such behaviour.

Parliament is calling for a harmonised EU definition of cyberbullying and is urging the European Commission to assess whether it should be recognised as a criminal offence with a cross-border dimension. Lawmakers also suggested that the most serious cases could fall under EU hate crime provisions.

MEPs stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing EU rules, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), and greater accountability for online platforms in preventing and responding to harmful content. They raised concerns about business models and recommendation systems that may amplify hate speech and harmful content, particularly affecting minors, women, and LGBTIQ+ users.

The resolution also draws attention to the misuse of artificial intelligence, including deepfakes and non-consensual intimate content, calling for stricter compliance with AI transparency and labelling obligations, as well as support for banning so-called “nudification apps”.

Parliament further calls for improved victim support, increased funding for support organisations, and stronger integration of cyberbullying prevention into national mental health strategies and education systems.

MEPs also urged Member States to fully implement the EU Victims’ Rights Directive and strengthen prevention, awareness, and education efforts targeting children, parents, and teachers.