EU calls for stronger action against cyber violence targeting girls
Research shows girls are disproportionately targeted online, driving renewed efforts to tackle harassment, hate speech and image-based abuse.
The Council of the European Union has adopted conclusions calling for stronger action to protect girls and young women from cyber violence, urging member states and the European Commission to reinforce prevention, enforcement, and victim support.
Findings from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) show that girls and young women are disproportionately affected by cyber violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and sexist hate speech. Interviews with teenagers across the EU also suggest many believe existing prevention efforts are inadequate.
The Council called for improved access to mental health services, legal assistance and educational programmes covering digital consent, online safety and gender-responsive digital literacy. It also recommended providing parents and educators with practical guidance and training to help identify and respond to online abuse.
The Council also stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing legislation, including the Digital Services Act and AI Act, while urging online platforms to take greater responsibility for user safety. It further called for increased investment in law enforcement resources, cross-border cooperation and research into the causes and impact of cyber violence.
Why does it matter?
The Council’s conclusions recognise cyber violence as both an online safety challenge and a barrier to gender equality and digital inclusion. By combining prevention, victim support, stronger enforcement and platform accountability, the EU is signalling that tackling online abuse requires coordinated action across governments, technology companies and civil society.
The recommendations also reinforce the EU’s broader digital governance agenda. Linking cyber violence to legislation such as the Digital Services Act and AI Act demonstrates how existing regulatory frameworks are increasingly being used to address online harms alongside technological innovation.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!