Feedback Offlimits on EU Action plan against cyberbullying

Cyberbully is also no longer confined to one platform, often spreading across several, which intensifies the pressure and makes the online environment feel even more hostile and stressful for the young person. Young people express they no longer feel safe even in their own bedrooms, as their phones have become a channel where bullying can continue 24/7.

The impact of cyberbullying on children’s mental health is significant: we hear about anxiety, depression, social isolation, and even cases of dropping out of school. Many young people tell us they feel alone, unsure of their rights, how to protect themselves, or where to turn for help. However, because of its nature, cyberbullying is particularly challenging to address. It can remain visible, be easily shared, and is often carried out anonymously.

Therefore, Offlimits welcomes the proposed Cyberbullying Action plan by the European Commission. Recognising the challenges to effectively address cyberbullying across EU, we highlighted six key areas of concern for the proposed Action plan: 

(1)     The gaming world: The online gaming environment, with its strong sense of anonymity and perceived lack of accountability, often fosters transgressive behaviours such as verbal harassment and discrimination. Attention should be paid to the gaming world as online toxicity is often normalised and intensified in gaming.

(2)     The use of AI: The use of AI has amplified cyberbullying in both scale and severity, as these images are often indistinguishable from reality, spreading like wildfire through group chats, TikTok or other social media platforms. It is therefore important to take into account the development of such technology.

(3)     Including bystanders: Factors such as peer pressure and the bystander effect often allow harmful behaviour to escalate online. Strengthening bystander responsibility should therefore be a central part of prevention and intervention strategies.

(4)     Legislation alignment— Digital Services Act: The alignment with the DSA should be an integral part of the Action Plan, including clearer guidance on how to identify and report the illegal elements of cyberbullying, even where ‘cyberbullying’ as such is not explicitly defined in national legislation.

(5)     Cross-sector cooperation and reporting systems: Cyberbullying is a multi-sector issue that requires strong collaboration and integration among diverse sectors, including schools, platforms, law enforcement and prevention sector.

(6)     Diversity and inclusion: The approach to addressing cyberbullying must place inclusion, diversity, and equality at its core.

You can also find the complete feedback from Offlimits at https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14791-Action-plan-against-cyberbullying/F33071326_en