Cyberbullying threats increasing, commission discussing potential measures

The European Commission is taking significant strides to safeguard the digital rights of minors, with a series of measures already in place and more on the horizon.

In September, a child-friendly consultation will be launched under the EU Children's Participation Platform. This consultation aims to gather insights and perspectives from children themselves, as part of the Commission's commitment to ensuring their voices are heard in matters that concern them.

One of the key elements of these efforts is the development of an age-verification solution. This blueprint, which is part of the Commission's existing measures, is designed to ensure that minors are protected online, especially when accessing content that may not be suitable for their age.

The Commission's action plan against cyber harassment, expected in spring 2026, will also complement these efforts. This plan will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment that disproportionately affect minors, particularly those who are more vulnerable or belong to specific groups, such as girls.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines, which focus on the protection of minors, are another crucial part of the Commission's strategy. These guidelines aim to ensure that online platforms take appropriate measures to protect the rights and safety of minors, including by removing harmful content and implementing robust age-verification systems.

Enforcement actions under the DSA are also a significant part of these efforts. These actions are designed to hold online platforms accountable for their failure to comply with the DSA guidelines, thereby ensuring that minors are effectively protected online.

The Commission's consultation and call for evidence related to the Action Plan on cyberbullying is currently open until 29 September 2025. This call invites all stakeholders, including minors, parents, educators, and online service providers, to share their experiences, insights, and suggestions on how best to tackle cyberbullying and protect minors online.

In summary, the European Commission is actively working to protect minors online through a variety of measures. These include the development of an age-verification solution, the creation of an action plan against cyber harassment, the enforcement of the DSA guidelines, and a child-friendly consultation under the EU Children's Participation Platform. These efforts are all aimed at ensuring that minors can enjoy a safe and empowering online environment.