Brussels: The European Commission has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting young people across the European Union from the growing threat of cyberbullying. The Action Plan Against Cyberbullying seeks to safeguard the mental health of children and teens online through a multi-faceted approach involving technological, educational, and regulatory measures.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a central component of the Action Plan is the development of an EU-wide app designed to facilitate the reporting of cyberbullying incidents. This app will enable victims to connect with national helplines, securely store evidence, and receive timely support. The European Commission will provide a blueprint for the app, which member states can adapt to align with national services.
The Action Plan also emphasizes a coordinated approach across the EU, urging member states to implement comprehensive national strategies and harmonize their understanding and data collection on cyberbullying. This coordinated effort aims to ensure that all young Europeans receive equal protection from online harassment.
Furthermore, the Commission plans to enhance existing measures by reviewing the Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines, adopting new guidelines for trusted flaggers, addressing cyberbullying on video-sharing platforms, and supporting the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. These efforts are aimed at preventing minors' exposure to harmful content and clarifying the role of platforms and trusted entities in managing illegal content.
Prevention is another key focus of the Action Plan, which promotes the adoption of healthy and respectful digital practices from an early age. The Commission intends to update guidelines for educators on digital literacy and expand resources and training for schools through initiatives like the Safer Internet Centres and Better Internet for Kids Platform.
The European Commission will continue to advocate for children's rights and well-being through events like Safer Internet Day, which has grown to be celebrated in approximately 160 countries. This ongoing commitment underscores the Commission's dedication to creating a safer online environment for young people globally.
The implementation of the Cyberbullying Action Plan will involve collaboration with member states, industry stakeholders, civil society, international organizations, and children themselves. Concurrently, the Commission is preparing additional initiatives, including a privacy-preserving age verification solution, the Digital Fairness Act, and an expert panel to further protect children online.
The urgency of these measures is highlighted by recent surveys indicating significant concerns among Europeans about the impact of social media and cyberbullying on children's mental health. The Action Plan builds on existing tools and directives, such as the Digital Services Act and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, to enhance the protection of minors online.
The European Commission's comprehensive approach aims to not only address the immediate issues of cyberbullying but also to foster a long-term cultural shift towards safer digital environments for children and teens.