SEPTEMBER 2025
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
The European Union is working on an Action Plan against Cyberbullying to help
prevent cyberbullying, and better support those children and teens affected by it.
Children from all over the European Union responded to an online survey in all EU
languages through the EU Children’s Participation Platform.
Children are very concerned about cyberbullying and want more action from adults.
To prevent it, educate more about it, and help all those affected.
WHO PARTICIPATED?
6343
children
and teenagers
aged 12 - 17
from all 27 EU countries
answered questions about their experiences and ideas on cyberbullying in an online survey.
- 57% girls
- 40% boys
- 3% others
THE ACTIONS CHILDREN WANT!
- Make social media platforms take responsibility and act against cyberbullying
- Make reporting easier and show that action is taken
- Involve parents and encourage open conversations about cyberbullying
- Raise awareness and education about cyberbullying
- Create a culture of kindness, and safe environments
- Provide support and counselling for those affected by cyberbullying.
- Strengthen laws and consequences for cyberbullying
- Limit access to social media for younger children
- Respondent, 16, Czechia
WHO HAS SEEN OR
EXPERIENCED CYBERBULLYING
- One in four children said that cyberbullying has happened to them
- Many children, especially older teens, have seen people being mean online
- More girls said they have experienced and seen cyberbullying than boys
- Half of the children thought that it happens mostly to those who are ‘different’ because of who they are, how they look, or where they come from
- Boy, 16, Portugal
GETTING HELP AND SUPPORT
- Most children would go to a parent or carer for help if they were cyberbullied
- Older children would also often go to a friend
- Girls would more often go to their parents and friends than boys
- Only 14% of children said they would use a helpline or support website to get help
- 11% of children would not tell anyone if they were cyberbullied
REPORTING CYBERBULLYING
- Children want reporting to be simple, easy and reliable – make sure it works
- Follow-up should be ensured – children want to know and see that action is taken
- Ensure privacy and protection – most older children want reports to stay private
- Girls want guidance on how to report cyberbullying more often than boys
- Younger children want guidance on what to do in simple language
- Boy, 13, Spain
WHAT CHILDREN WANT ADULTS TO DO
SCHOOLS AND ADULTS SHOULD:
- Have clear rules and consequences to help stop cyberbullying
- Provide emotional support, including psychological, for victims with trusted adults or peers for them to talk to
- Provide support to those who are bullying others together with their parents
- Teach about empathy and how to behave kindly online, as well as digital skills and online safety
- Raise awareness and empower kids to help them to better cope and deal with cyberbullying
- Increase practical protection in everyday settings, both on- and off-line
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SHOULD:
- Take responsibility and act against cyberbullying
- Take the reporting seriously and report about follow up
- Design simpler reporting systems
- Provide support for victims and give information on good behaviours in simple language
- Girl, 17, Poland
If you are under 18 and you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, please speak to a trusted adult, or contact a child helpline in your country.
