A newly published Eurobarometer survey reveals that Europeans are extremely concerned about the risks children face on social media. Given the growing reliance on these platforms, the public believes that greater protection and more robust measures are needed to combat disinformation. Furthermore, in light of global challenges, Europeans are calling for greater democratic participation, stronger […]
The Commission welcomes the political agreement on criminal law provisions to combat child sexual abuse
On 22 June, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the Directive updating criminal law provisions on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. This marks a significant milestone in child protection, particularly in light of worrying trends such as the proliferation of child sexual abuse material generated by artificial intelligence, […]
The European Parliament calls for a stronger EU response to online harassment
MEPs are calling for strict enforcement of the law, a harmonised definition of cyberbullying and greater accountability on the part of platforms to better protect victims. In a resolution adopted on Thursday by a show of hands, the plenary calls for effective and dissuasive penalties for cyberbullying offences, to make it easier for victims to […]
The EU, Ukraine and Canada will co-host a high-level meeting on the return of Ukrainian children
The EU, together with Ukraine and Canada, will co-host a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 11 May in Brussels. On this occasion, the President of the European Commission, Ursulavon der Leyen,stated:“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has cost more than territory and lives: it has stolen childhoods. […]
The Commission launches an Action Plan against Cyberbullying to protect young people online
The European Commission’sAction Plan against Cyberbullyin gaims to protect the mental health of children and adolescents online in the EU. The Action Plan focuses on: implementing an EU-wide app where victims of online bullying can easily get help; coordinating national strategies to tackle harmful online behaviour; and preventing cyberbullying by promoting better and safer digital […]
Toy safety: new standards to protect children’s health
The new rules aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from the associated risks. Despite having one of the strictest toy safety regulations in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into the hands of children in the EU. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed an agreement with […]
New EU measures needed to make online services safer for minors
Enforce Digital Services Act quickly and ban harmful practices such as addictive design and gambling-like game features to protect minors, say MEPs. On Thursday, MEPs from the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted a report, by 32 votes in favour, 5 against and with 9 abstentions, in which they express concerns over major online […]
Nearly one in four children in the EU (24%) faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024.
In 2024, 19.5 million children in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This figure represented 24.2% of children under the age of 18, down by 0.6 percentage points (pp) from 2023 (24.8%). At the country level, in 2024, the highest values were reported in Bulgaria (35.1%), Spain (34.6%) and Romania (33.8%). In contrast, Slovenia (11.8%), Cyprus (14.8%) […]
Protecting children from unsafe toys
The agreed draft legislation comes in response to a number of emerging challenges, such as risks relating to digital toys and the surge in online shopping. On 10 April evening, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on new EU toy safety rules to enhance the protection of children’s health and development. The deal […]