Lantern · European Union
European UnionCyberbullying law, country by country
EU-wide rules make big platforms act on illegal content, but schools, phones and criminal law are set by each of the 27 member countries. Here is what applies where, in plain English, with official law names and English translations.
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Profiles of the European Union and its 27 member states
EU-wide rules
European Union (EU-wide)
New 17 September 2026: The EU KIDS Act is proposed: no social media under 13
EU-wide platform rules under the Digital Services Act, a 2026 action plan against cyberbullying and a proposed KIDS Act on social media age.
Compare with anywhere elseProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Not at EU level. Education is run by each country, so each one sets its own school bullying rules.
Legal detail and sources
On 10 February 2026 the European Commission adopted an Action plan against cyberbullying. It promotes a common definition, asks every country to draw up a national plan, and plans an EU-wide app (from late 2026) to report online abuse to national helplines.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
The EU's 2026 action plan sets a common definition of cyberbullying, but each country decides how its school rules cover it.
- Yes:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Yes, for big platforms. The Digital Services Act makes platforms act on reports of illegal content and lets the European Commission fine the largest ones up to 6% of global turnover.
Legal detail and sources
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, the Digital Services Act (DSA), applies in all 27 countries. Each country has a Digital Services Coordinator that handles complaints, and 'trusted flaggers' such as Safer Internet Centre helplines get faster action.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. Each country sets its own age for signing up to apps (13 to 16). A proposed EU KIDS Act would bar under-13s from social media and set 15 for a child's own account.
Legal detail and sources
The EU KIDS Act (Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy) was proposed on 17 September 2026. It must still be agreed by the European Parliament and member countries.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Each country sets its own rules. Most now ban or restrict phones in school.
Legal detail and sources
The EU does not regulate phones in schools.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
Criminal law is set by each country. The EU's 2024 directive on violence against women requires all countries to make cyber-harassment and sharing intimate images without consent crimes by June 2027.
Legal detail and sources
Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Austria
Phone ban to grade 8 and a specific cyberbullying offence in the Criminal Code.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for AustriaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. Schools must keep pupils safe, and the ministry provides anti-violence and anti-bullying programmes, but there is no dedicated bullying law.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones, smartwatches and similar devices are banned for the whole school day up to grade 8, including breaks and school trips, since 1 May 2025.
Legal detail and sources
Change to the Schulordnung 2024 (School Regulation 2024), BGBl. II Nr. 80/2025. Schools may allow use for lessons or medical reasons.
- Yes:
When is online abuse a crime?
Yes. Austria has a specific cyberbullying offence for ongoing harassment through phones or computers.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: § 107c Strafgesetzbuch, Fortgesetzte Belästigung im Wege einer Telekommunikation oder eines Computersystems (Criminal Code section 107c, continued harassment by telecommunication or computer system), in force since 2016.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Belgium
Rules set by each language community; phones banned in all three since 2025.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Education is run by Belgium's three language communities, so each sets its own rules on bullying.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Since the 2025/26 school year all three communities ban recreational phone use in primary and secondary school, with exceptions for lessons, health and emergencies.
Legal detail and sources
The French Community (Wallonia-Brussels) enacted a decree; the German-speaking Community bans use all day including breaks; Flanders lets schools set details.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Bulgaria
A national bullying mechanism and a school-day phone ban from 2026.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Schools must follow the education ministry's mechanism for countering bullying and violence.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Механизъм за противодействие на тормоза и насилието в институциите в системата на предучилищното и училищното образование (Mechanism for countering bullying and violence in preschool and school institutions).
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in lessons, breaks and other school activities under changes to the Preschool and School Education Act, in force from early 2026.
Legal detail and sources
Use is allowed only for strictly educational or medical purposes, or in an emergency. Phone use in lessons was already banned by law since 2016.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Croatia
National violence protocol; phones banned throughout primary school.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Schools must follow the national protocol on handling violence among children and young people, including bullying.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in all areas of primary schools under national school rules. In secondary schools they are banned during lessons, and schools may go further.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Cyprus
Phones off all day by law; ministry anti-bullying policy.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The education ministry requires schools to prevent and manage bullying, and runs an Observatory on school violence.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones must stay switched off for the whole school day in public schools, under a law passed in October 2024. They may be used in an emergency or for health needs.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Czechia
Ministry bullying guideline; phone ban planned for 2027.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. A ministry guideline tells schools how to prevent and deal with bullying, and every school needs a prevention programme.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Metodický pokyn MŠMT k prevenci a řešení šikanování ve školách a školských zařízeních (Ministry of Education guideline on preventing and dealing with bullying in schools).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
The ministry guideline covers cyberbullying as a form of bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 15 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- No:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Each school sets its own phone rules for now. The government backed a bill in July 2026 to ban phones in preschool, primary and lower secondary schools from September 2027; it is not yet law.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Denmark
Anti-bullying strategy by law, a national complaints body and a school phone ban from 2026.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. By law every school must have an anti-bullying strategy, and families can complain to a national complaints body.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Lov om elevers og studerendes undervisningsmiljø (Act on the educational environment of pupils and students). Den Nationale Klageinstans mod Mobning (the National Complaints Body against Bullying) handles complaints.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The anti-bullying strategy must explicitly cover digital bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent. A bill to bar under-15s from major social media profiles was put out for consultation in September 2026, aiming for 1 July 2027.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in primary and lower secondary schools (folkeskole) and school after-school clubs from the 2026/27 school year, by law.
Legal detail and sources
Schools must also filter sites like social media and games on school devices.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Estonia
Schools set their own rules; KiVa programme widely used.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. Schools must provide a safe environment, and many use the KiVa anti-bullying programme, but there is no dedicated bullying law.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- No:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No national rule. Each school sets phone rules in its internal rules.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Finland
Anti-bullying plan by law; phones banned in lessons since 2025.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for FinlandProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every school must have a plan to protect pupils from violence, bullying and harassment.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Perusopetuslaki (Basic Education Act), section 29.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The plan covers bullying in all forms, including online.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned during lessons by law since 1 August 2025, unless a teacher allows them for learning or health. Many schools also ban them at breaks.
Legal detail and sources
Amendment to the Basic Education Act. Staff may confiscate devices.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
France
New 24 August 2026: France extends its phone ban to lycées from 2026/27
School harassment is a crime; phones banned through lycée from 2026.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every pupil has a legal right to schooling free from harassment, and all schools run the national pHARe anti-bullying programme.
Legal detail and sources
Code de l'éducation, article L511-3-1 (Education Code). Loi n° 2022-299 du 2 mars 2022 visant à combattre le harcèlement scolaire (Law of 2 March 2022 to combat school harassment).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. School harassment includes online harassment.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms. In France, Arcom is the Digital Services Coordinator and the 3018 helpline (e-Enfance) can get harmful content removed quickly.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 15 without a parent's consent. Parliament voted to ban social media for under-15s in July 2026, but the Constitutional Council struck that part down in August 2026.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in primary schools and collèges (ages 11 to 15), and from 2026/27 in lycées (upper secondary) too.
Legal detail and sources
Loi du 24 août 2026 visant à protéger les mineurs des risques auxquels les expose l'utilisation des réseaux sociaux (Law of 24 August 2026 to protect minors from the risks of social media) amended article L511-5 of the Education Code. Schools may allow exceptions in their rules.
- Yes:
When is online abuse a crime?
Yes. School harassment is a specific crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison if it leads the victim to suicide or attempted suicide.
Legal detail and sources
Code pénal, article 222-33-2-3 (Criminal Code), created by the 2022 law.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Germany
School rules set by each of the 16 states.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Education is run by the 16 states (Länder), so each sets its own school rules on bullying.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
It depends on the state. Several states ban private phone use (for example Hesse in all schools and Bavaria and Saxony in primary schools); others leave it to schools.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Greece
Bullying law and reporting platform; under-15 social media ban from 2027.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for GreeceProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. A 2023 law requires every school to name a person responsible for preventing violence and bullying, and created the stop-bullying.gov.gr reporting platform.
Legal detail and sources
Law 5029/2023 and ministerial decisions in 2024 set prevention and response protocols and regional action groups.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The platform and protocols cover online bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Yes:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Yes, from 1 January 2027. A law passed in October 2026 bars under-15s from social media, even with parental consent; platforms must check age.
Legal detail and sources
Children can otherwise consent to data use from 15 under GDPR. The state Kids Wallet app can tell a platform whether a user is over 15.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones must stay in pupils' bags for the whole school day since 2024.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Hungary
School-day phone ban since 2024.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for HungaryProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. The Public Education Act requires schools to protect pupils, but there is no dedicated bullying law.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones may not be used during the school day by government decree since September 2024.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Ireland
Bí Cineálta policy in every school; primary smartphone ban; Coco's Law. See the UK & Ireland page for more.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for IrelandProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every school must have a Bí Cineálta ("Be kind") policy to prevent and address bullying, reviewed every year.
Legal detail and sources
Bí Cineálta Procedures to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (published 19 June 2024, Circular 55/2024), in effect from September 2025. They replace the 2013 procedures and come from the Cineáltas Action Plan on Bullying (2022).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Bullying is defined as targeted behaviour, online or offline, that causes harm.
Legal detail and sources
The procedures cover cyberbullying, gender identity bullying, racist and sexist bullying and sexual harassment.
- Yes:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Yes. Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator, enforces a binding Online Safety Code for video platforms based in Ireland.
Legal detail and sources
Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 set up Coimisiún na Meán. Its Online Safety Code was adopted in October 2024; the age-assurance rules took effect 21 July 2025. As EU Digital Services Coordinator it also enforces the Digital Services Act.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban. Children can consent to apps using their data from age 16. Adult video content requires age checks.
Legal detail and sources
Data Protection Act 2018 s31 sets the digital age of consent at 16.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Primary schools must ban smartphones; post-primary schools must restrict them all day.
Legal detail and sources
Department guidance issued June 2025, with €9 million for phone pouches and lockers (Circulars 0044, 0045 and 0046 of 2025).
- Yes:
When is online abuse a crime?
Yes. Coco's Law makes serious online harassment and sharing intimate images without consent a crime.
Legal detail and sources
Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law). It created offences for distributing or threatening to distribute intimate images without consent and extended harassment to cover any form of communication, including online.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Teachers have free cyberbullying courses and Bí Cineálta training.
Legal detail and sources
Oide runs online courses on cyberbullying in primary and post-primary schools.
EU member state
Italy
Cyberbullying law since 2017 and a class phone ban at every level.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for ItalyProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. National law requires every school to have a bullying and cyberbullying lead teacher and an internal code, and head teachers must inform parents of incidents.
Legal detail and sources
Legge 29 maggio 2017, n. 71 (Law 71/2017, the first cyberbullying law), extended to all bullying by Legge 17 maggio 2024, n. 70 (Law 70/2024), and Decreto legislativo 12 giugno 2025, n. 99 (Legislative Decree 99/2025).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The law began as a cyberbullying law and now covers all bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms. In Italy, children aged 14 or over (or their parents) can ask a platform to remove cyberbullying content and, if it does not act within 48 hours, go to the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali (Data Protection Authority).
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in class for all ages, in primary and lower secondary since 2024 and upper secondary since 2025.
Legal detail and sources
Ministry notes of 11 July 2024 and circular of 16 June 2025.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Latvia
New 1 June 2026: Latvia bans phones in grades 1 to 9 under the Education Law
Phone ban by law through grade 9.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for LatviaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. Schools must set internal rules on safety and bullying; several schools use the KiVa programme.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in grades 1 to 9 unless a teacher allows them, under the Education Law since 1 June 2026.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Lithuania
Bullying prevention required by law; phones left to schools.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for LithuaniaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Law on Education bans all violence in schools and requires every school to run a long-term violence and bullying prevention programme.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Lietuvos Respublikos švietimo įstatymas (Law on Education), amended 2017.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The law defines bullying and cyberbullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- No:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No national rule. Schools set their own phone rules following ministry guidance, and many ban them.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Luxembourg
Full primary phone ban; phones locked away in secondary lessons.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for LuxembourgProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. Schools have psycho-social support services, and the BEE SECURE helpline supports families, but there is no dedicated bullying law.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned all day in primary schools since 22 April 2025. Secondary schools must lock phones away during lessons since 2 June 2025.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Malta
National anti-bullying policy and service.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for MaltaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. State schools follow the national Addressing Bullying Behaviour in Schools policy, revised in 2023, and a national Anti-Bullying Service supports schools.
Legal detail and sources
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The Anti-Bullying Service treats cyberbullying as bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Malta introduced a national ban on phones in schools in late 2025.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Netherlands
Safety at School Act; classroom phone ban by national agreement.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for NetherlandsProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every school must have a safety and anti-bullying policy, a named contact person and yearly monitoring of pupils' sense of safety.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Wet veiligheid op school (Safety at School Act), in force since 2015.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The policy must cover online bullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in the classroom at every level under a national agreement since 2024. The government plans a full school-day ban from 2027.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Poland
New 1 September 2026: Poland bans phones in kindergartens and primary schools
Child protection standards in every school; primary phone ban from 2026.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for PolandProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Since 2024 every school must adopt child protection standards that include rules and procedures for peer violence.
Legal detail and sources
Standardy Ochrony Małoletnich (Child Protection Standards), required by the 2023 amendment known as Kamilek's Law, in force in schools from 15 August 2024.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The standards cover peer violence online.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in kindergartens and primary schools from 1 September 2026, with exceptions for learning, health and safety.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Portugal
Phone ban to grade 6, rising to grade 9 in 2027.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for PortugalProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Student Statute requires schools to protect pupils, and schools follow a national plan to prevent bullying and cyberbullying.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Estatuto do Aluno e Ética Escolar (Student Statute and School Ethics), Lei n.º 51/2012.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Smartphones are banned throughout school for grades 1 to 6 since September 2025. The ban extends to grade 9 from 1 January 2027.
Legal detail and sources
Decreto-Lei n.º 95/2025 (Decree-Law 95/2025).
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Romania
Anti-bullying group required in every school by law.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for RomaniaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The law bans bullying in schools and requires every school to have an anti-bullying action group and an annual anti-bullying plan.
Legal detail and sources
Legea nr. 221/2019 (Law 221/2019) amending the National Education Law, with methodological norms approved by Order 4343/2020.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The legal definition of bullying includes cyber actions.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones may be used in class only for learning; schools set other rules.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Slovakia
Ministry bullying directive; phone limits since 2025.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for SlovakiaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. A ministry directive requires schools to prevent and deal with bullying.
Legal detail and sources
Smernica č. 36/2018 k prevencii a riešeniu šikanovania detí a žiakov (Directive 36/2018 on preventing and dealing with bullying of children and pupils).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The directive covers cyberbullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 16 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are restricted in primary schools under a law in force since January 2025; each school sets the details.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Slovenia
Schools set their own rules.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for SloveniaProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. Schools must set rules on pupils' rights and conduct, but there is no dedicated bullying law.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. School rules address bullying generally; how online bullying is handled depends on the school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 15 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- No:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No national rule. Each school decides, and most limit phones in their house rules.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Spain
LOPIVI: a wellbeing coordinator in every school.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for SpainProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every school must have protocols on bullying and cyberbullying and a named wellbeing and protection coordinator.
Legal detail and sources
Ley Orgánica 8/2021 de protección integral a la infancia y la adolescencia frente a la violencia, LOPIVI (Organic Law on Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents against Violence), articles 34 and 35. Each region writes the detailed protocol.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The protocols must cover cyberbullying.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 14 without a parent's consent. A bill in Congress would raise this to 16 and restrict harmful social media for under-16s; it is not yet law.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Regions set phone rules under a 2024 national agreement: phones are banned in primary schools and restricted in secondary.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
EU member state
Sweden
Duty to act on degrading treatment; phones collected all day from 2026.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for SwedenProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Schools must act against degrading treatment, investigate every report and have a yearly plan. Families can complain to the Child and School Student Representative.
Legal detail and sources
Official name: Skollagen (Education Act), chapter 6. Barn- och elevombudet (BEO), part of the Schools Inspectorate, can seek damages for pupils.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Degrading treatment includes online behaviour linked to school.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Under the EU Digital Services Act, platforms must act on reports of illegal content, trusted flaggers get priority, and you can complain to the national Digital Services Coordinator. There is no national body that orders individual posts down for bullying alone.
Legal detail and sources
The national Safer Internet Centre runs a helpline that can escalate cases to platforms.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No ban in force. Children can sign up to apps that use their data from age 13 without a parent's consent.
Legal detail and sources
This is the 'digital age of consent' each country sets under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), article 8. An EU KIDS Act proposed in September 2026 would bar under-13s from social media EU-wide and set 15 as the age for a child's own account; it is not yet law.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are collected at the start of the day and returned at the end in compulsory schools and after-school centres from autumn 2026.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Online abuse can be a crime when it becomes harassment, threats, stalking, defamation or sharing intimate images without consent.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from the education ministry and the national Safer Internet Centre, which offers a helpline and resources for schools.
Legal detail and sources
The EU's 2026 Action plan against cyberbullying promises more training and resources for schools.
Compare at a glance
Select a name to open its full profile.
| Country | School rules | Online bullying | Takedown help | Age limits | Phones | Criminal law | Staff guidance | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union (EU-wide) | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Austria | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Yes | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Belgium | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Bulgaria | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Croatia | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Cyprus | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Czechia | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | No | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Denmark | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
| Estonia | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | No | Partly | Partly | 3 of 7 |
| Finland | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
| France | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Yes | Partly | 5.5 of 7 |
| Germany | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 3.5 of 7 |
| Greece | Yes | Yes | Partly | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5.5 of 7 |
| Hungary | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Ireland | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partly | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.5 of 7 |
| Italy | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
| Latvia | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Lithuania | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | No | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Luxembourg | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4 of 7 |
| Malta | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Poland | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
| Portugal | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Romania | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Slovakia | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Slovenia | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | No | Partly | Partly | 3 of 7 |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | Partly | 4.5 of 7 |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes | Partly | Partly | 5 of 7 |
Clear rule in place Partly, or schools decide Set by national law
Plain-English summaries for educators, checked against official sources on 11 November 2026. This is not legal advice. Open “Legal detail and sources” for the law itself.
Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with credit, under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0 licence.