Cyberbullying is a growing problem with clearly measurable consequences. Digital attacks primarily affect young people and their impact extends far beyond the screen. Stress, sleep problems, and mental health issues are among the most common consequences.
On Safer Internet Day, February 10, 2026, the European Commission presented a new action plan to combat cyberbullying. The focus is on protecting young people up to the age of 29. Particular attention is paid to people with disabilities, LGBTIQ people, migrants, and members of minority groups.
Recent data underscores the scale of the problem: one in six young people in Europe is affected by cyberbullying. One in eight admits to having been involved in it themselves.
Cyberbullying differs from traditional bullying in several ways. While analog forms, such as those in schools, have remained relatively stable since 2018, digital bullying continues to increase. The World Health Organization also points this out.
The WHO attributes the increase, among other things, to the growing digitalization of social interactions among young people. Digital communication is now an integral part of everyday life. Consequently, conflicts, exclusion, and targeted attacks are shifting online – with potentially profound consequences for the lives of young people.
Cyberbullying doesn't end when a device is switched off. Content can remain permanently accessible, spread rapidly, and resurface repeatedly.
Forms and mechanisms of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can take place in various ways. It can be indirect, for example via text messages, voice messages, or phone calls. Public or semi-anonymous attacks on social media platforms, in groups, or in forums are also common.
Digital harassment often happens indirectly. Rumors are spread behind the backs of victims, screenshots are forwarded, or manipulated content is published. Typical forms include:
- Flaming: targeted provocations and insults
- Harassment: repeated insults or derogatory messages
- Cyber threats: threats of violence up to and including death threats
An additional dynamic arises from the use of artificial intelligence. AI enables new forms of digital abuse, particularly sexualized deepfakes. These deceptively realistic, AI-generated contents disproportionately affect girls and women. The European AI law aims to specifically prohibit such content from the third quarter of 2026.
Health and social consequences
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying knows no time limits. Attacks can occur around the clock. This constant accessibility significantly increases the burden. The health consequences have been extensively studied. Victims often develop stress- and anxiety-related symptoms. These include:
- Sleep disorders
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Headache
- heart palpitations
- chronic pain
Furthermore, the risk of depression and anxiety disorders increases.
Cognitive abilities also suffer. Concentration problems, decreased motivation to learn, and a decline in performance occur in young people who are regularly exposed to digital attacks. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress. Furthermore, the risk of suicide increases.
Cyberbullying therefore affects not only mental health, but also academic performance, social relationships and everyday life.
Perpetrators and victims: overlaps
Studies show that people who engage in cyberbullying are often themselves suffering from mental health issues. Impulsivity, emotional instability, or personal experiences with bullying play a role in this.
It is not uncommon for those involved to be both perpetrators and victims. These overlaps complicate prevention measures, as clear role definitions are often lacking.
The EU Action Plan against Cyberbullying
The European Commission's new action plan focuses on concrete measures. At its core is an EU-wide app. This application will allow victims of cyberbullying to report incidents easily. It will also enable them to secure evidence and quickly access support. The app will also be available on major online platforms.
Glenn Micallef, the EU Commissioner for Children and Youth, emphasized that it must be easier to report cyberbullying than to bully people online. The existing French app "3018" serves as a model.
In addition to technical support, the action plan focuses on prevention. Revised guidelines for digital education and new training programs for schools are planned. The goal is to raise young people's awareness of online risks at an early age and to strengthen their skills in taking action. According to Eurobarometer, over 90 percent of Europeans consider a safer internet to be urgently needed.
Measures against cyberbullying at European level
Cyberbullying is a growing societal problem with significant health and social consequences. Current figures show that many young people are affected – both as victims and as perpetrators.
The European Commission is responding to this development with its new action plan. An EU-wide reporting app, stricter regulation of AI-based forms of abuse, and increased prevention measures in educational institutions are intended to make the digital space safer.
The earlier support is provided, the greater the chance of preventing long-term health damage. Cyberbullying therefore remains a key challenge for policymakers, educational institutions, and society as a whole. (Image: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images)
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