Cyberbullying is a growing problem at global scale, being considered by the United Nations a serious manifestation of online violence. Although the number varies accordingly to each country, a large number of children and teenagers affirm to worry about it. Cyberbullying can take many forms like mockery, insults, rumours or threats, the revealing and sharing of private data or tricked photographs, and impersonation. Like bullying, it is also the result of destructive group dynamics, where low levels of tolerance and limited acceptance of diversity can be encountered. Cyberbullying can have serious and lasting consequences on its victims, in part due to its ability to spread regardless of time and geographic boundaries. Mobile technologies need to be for these reasons at the centre of prevention, awareness and reduction of the existing levels of cyberbullying and protection and support for its victims.

There is no shared definition for cyberbullying at European level. Nonetheless, it is generally accepted that it consists of repeated verbal and psychological harassment and happens through the use of electronic and digital means. Intentionality and repetition are always present, done with the intention of causing harm, often in a repetitive way and with an imbalance of power between victims and perpetrators. Those that perpetuate attacks are supported by a sense of impunity, anonymity and lack of accountability, as they have the ability to easily reach an endless audience with no geographic and time boundaries.

The devastating impact of cyberbullying for its victims is recognised by the United Nations, which understands it as a serious manifestation of online violence. Cyberbullying affects a large percentage of children and teenagers and studies show that this number has grown year on year as the usage of mobile phones increases among younger children. Its consequences can be devastating and lifelong for the victims and families, but also to the school communities that do not tackle problems as soon as they emerge. Cyberbullying often leads to a lowering self-esteem, increasing depression and feelings of powerlessness and in many cases, its incidences are underestimated and undervalued by its victims, making them harder to address from the beginning.

This challenge seeks innovative solutions, approaches and projects that have a digital or mobile base and which can prevent, raise awareness, offer support, promote reporting of incidents and help perpetrators to understand the effects of their behaviour. Solutions that include multiple stakeholders like parents, teachers and children and teenagers and that favor prevention over punition are welcome. They can be or include educational materials and tools accessible online; peer-advocacy sessions and projects; teenagers as active agents; filters and reporting tools; among others.