Published: Tue, 10 February 2026
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Seán Kelly MEP has welcomed the EU’s Action Plan against Cyberbullying, presented by the European Commission today, but has described it as “overdue”. Mr Kelly has advocated for more action to protect minors online throughout his political career and consistently the EU to criminalise online bullying and harassment, citing the Irish Coco’s Law example.
“The EU cyberbullying strategy is welcome, but unfortunately it is long overdue. For years now, young people have suffered enormous distress caused by bullying through social media platforms and messaging Apps. Tragically, it has resulted in death by suicide in some cases. I support all action to better protect and educate children but regret that the law is often too slow to keep up with the reality online”, said Kelly, the Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament.
Cyberbullying is becoming more widespread with one in six children, aged 11–15, having experienced cyberbullying personally, according to the Commission.
Mr Kelly and the EPP Group of which Fine Gael is a member, have long been campaigning for cyberbullying to be recognised as a crime across the EU. “When companies running those online services are failing in their responsibility to protect children, legislators and police authorities must intervene”, warned MEP Kelly.
The Ireland South MEP stressed the importance of education as a key defence against cyberbullying.
“I believe it is important to have comprehensive digital literacy programs in schools to teach young people how to use the internet responsibly and safely. With the proliferation of artificial intelligence and anonymous accounts, social media needs particular attention. I welcome the focus on education in the Action Plan and measures to make reporting bullying easier with the rollout of an EU-wide online safety app”, Kelly added.
