Cyberbullying is a significant social, health and behavioural concern throughout the EU and worldwide, yet crucial areas in its prevention and intervention have largely been side-lined, namely the key role of parents, as well as the role of gender, disability, ethnicity and sexuality. The PARTICIPATE Doctoral Network project is addressing this research and action gap, by delivering a world-class multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary doctoral training program incorporating plans for substantial networking and exchange of information, expertise and action potential regarding the nature and extent of cyberbullying across Europe.

By focusing on parents, as well as on gender, disability, ethnicity and sexuality, the project aims to empower both parents and young people, creating a safer space online for our youth, while placing Europe firmly at the forefront of cyberbullying research and practice.

This Doctoral Network brings together many of the foremost world leaders and cutting-edge researchers in the areas of cyberbullying prevention, and is grounded in scientific excellence provided by six academic partners in conjunction with a strong and diverse range of 8 non-academic partners, including independent research organisations, NGOs, youth foundations and internet safety organisations.

The objectives will be achieved during the lifetime of the project through a unique combination of individual and collaborative research work, non-academic secondments and workshops on scientific and applied skills facilitated by the academic/non-academic composition of the consortium. The findings generated – and made available on this website as they become available – will produce both practical, research-based programs, and European guidelines on cyberbullying in relation to gender, disability, ethnicity and sexuality, and the roles parents play in prevention.