Cyberbullying: a common, EU-wide approach could help design effective response

A JRC study analyses how countries across the EU define and fight cyberbullying, identifying key elements of this phenomenon as well as risk and protective factors. The study, based on a review of scientific literature, policies, and national laws, finds that a common definition, and aligned intervention programmes and legal instruments, could help create a safer digital environment for children and adolescents.

Numerous definitions already exist, but a common one validated by scientific experts across countries would reinforce comparability of data, improve policy coherence and design more effective and coordinated response across EU countries.

How does cyberbullying work?

Cyberbullying is a wide phenomenon increasingly affecting children and young people. Data show a steady rise in its prevalence, with a significant proportion of children and adolescents reporting repeated online victimisation. Despite preventive initiatives the problem continues to grow.

Cyberbullying differs from other forms of online violence and from traditional bullying. The digital environment reconfigures time and space, enabling cyberbullying at any moment and beyond traditional social settings, often involving large audiences through viral dissemination. The anonymity offered by digital technologies allows individuals to retaliate or engage in victimisation that might not have occurred otherwise.

According to the literature reviewed in the study, the key elements underpinning established definitions of cyberbullying include:

• repeated exposure to harm, which may persist even after a viral one-time action,
• a power imbalance between the perpetrator and the victim - it can result from digital competence, and is not necessarily driven by physical strength or social influence,
• hostile behaviour mediated through digital technologies,
• selective targeting of specific individuals or groups of people.

Risk and protective factors

The review of scientific research identifies multiple factors that influence vulnerability to cyberbullying. These include age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, minority status and other individual characteristics such as disability or being academically gifted. At the same time, protective factors such as strong support from peers and teachers, positive family relationships and physical activity can reduce exposure and impact.

Studies indicate that concrete interventions against cyberbullying tend to be more effective than broader initiatives on online safety. School-based programmes show positive results, particularly when they combine educational and skills-development components. Targeted interventions, supported by family engagement, appear to be especially successful.

How do national authorities respond?

Countries across Europe address cyberbullying through a combination of awareness campaigns, educational policies and legal measures. While not all countries have specific legislation targeting cyberbullying, all have legal provisions addressing forms of online violence and harassment. However, legal approaches vary considerably. Also, young people may struggle to recognise when harmful online behaviour becomes illegal conduct.

The study recommends a balanced approach that combines carefully applied legal instruments with psycho-social support and educational programmes. Adopting an integrated model could prevent cyberbullying while equipping children and young people with the competences needed to recognise, respond to and mitigate harmful online behaviour.

Background

JRC conducts research on the implications of digital technology for wellbeing and mental health, and supports the design of the upcoming EU Action Plan against cyberbullying as part of the European Commission's broader effort to create a better, safer online world for children and young people. Other complementary measures include the Guidelines on the protection of minors under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, the blueprint for an age-verification solution, as well as an EU-wide inquiry on the impact of social media on mental health and the implementation of the Better Internet for Kids Strategy (BIK+).

Related content

Cyberbullying: Insights from science, policy and legislation

Policy brief Cyberbullying: Considerations towards a common definition

Better internet for kids - BIK Portal

Digital Services Act

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