Cyberbullying and on-line harassment: Parliament debates stronger legal guidelines and platform accountability
As online abuse continues to rise – especially among young people – MEPs are calling for clearer, unified criminal laws and stronger accountability for digital platforms.
Cyberbullying can have devastating consequences, including long-term psychological harm and, in extreme cases, loss of life. While the European Commission’s February 2026 Action Plan notes progress in prevention, victim support and enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA), concerns remain that it does not go far enough.
National laws such as Ireland’s “Coco’s Law” show how targeted criminal provisions can tackle serious online abuse, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. However, legal fragmentation across EU countries continues to create unequal protection for victims and uncertainty for enforcement authorities.
