International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - how we’re tackling cyberbullying - Main contents

Tomorrow, 17 May, is International day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. And today, for those who face homophobic bullying, the EU is sending a very clear message: that for those growing up lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), life gets better; and we in the EU are working to make it better. Check out this video featuring me and EU politicians from every part of the continent:

(You can also watch the video on Vimeo here; or take a look at my own video for the It Gets Better campaign I made 18 months ago).

This is for me a reminder of a wider issue we need to deal with, the issue of cyber-bullying. It can affect many people who are somehow different or vulnerable. It particularly affects children.

As Digital Agenda commissioner, I want to do what I can to also make it better online. “Cyberbullying” via new technology like text messaging or social networks still represents the minority of cases of bullying. But often online and offline bullying are combined, sometimes with very sad consequences.

In the UK some estimate that one in thirteen secondary school children have experienced persistent and intentional cyberbullying. The tragic news stories we all see make me realise how important it is to do what we can for this cause.

With the right knowledge and tools, we can empower kids to deal with these issues better. So that when they go online, they act with respect for themselves and others, and so that they know what to do if they see cyberbullying going on.

We’ve called for more teaching of online safety in schools - indeed it’s already a curriculum topic in 23 education systems across Europe. We continue to fund a network of Safer Internet Centres providing awareness, hotlines and helplines. And I’ve also asked the industry to produce reporting mechanisms, EU wide, to ensure that children can report harmful content and conduct - with tools accessible and easy for kids to use, and with a fast follow-up.

We shouldn’t overreact. But we should make sure that kids are able to make the most use of the marvellous opportunities online.

I want all kids to know that the online world can be both safe and fun for them.

And I want all kids who face bullying, gay or straight, online or off, to know that it’s getting better.