Roughly 620,000 people in the Netherlands aged 15 and older have faced online threats or intimidation at least once. Now, a growing wave of cyberbullying among young people has prompted insurer Univé to add new protections to its policies.

The move, announced ahead of the National Anti-Bullying Day, comes as data shows younger users are especially exposed. In 2024, 9 percent of people aged 15 to 25 reported being victims of online bullying, threats, or stalking—more than double the national average of 4.1 percent, according to the CBS. Separate research indicates that more than half of those aged 10 to 20 have experienced online exclusion or bullying at some point, with 23 percent saying it happens monthly. In a typical classroom in the Netherlands, two to three students are affected.

Online abuse ranges from exclusion in group chats to the spread of insults, rumors, and humiliating images or memes. The consequences are significant: between 32 percent and 40 percent of victims develop emotional or psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Some also report feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, loss of trust in others, and even suicidal thoughts.

“Cyberbullying can leave deep scars on victims, especially young people. In 2026, these are forms of harm that we as an insurer can no longer ignore,” said Erik Dokter, insurance manager at Univé. “As a cooperative close to our members, we want to support them when they become victims of online bullying or stalking.”

Univé said it has revised its policy terms so that all household contents insurance customers are now covered for support if they experience cyberbullying, cyberstalking, or reputational damage. The insurer had already introduced a nationwide cyber help desk in 2021, offering round-the-clock advice on cybercrime or suspected incidents.

Under the expanded coverage, the policy reimburses costs related to reputational harm—such as hiring specialists to remove or correct harmful online content. “In cases of reputational damage, an expert can be brought in to remove or correct harmful or offensive online content, and those costs are covered,” Dokter said.

The policy also provides reimbursement of up to 2,000 euros per year for psychological care when victims require professional support due to cyberbullying or cyberstalking. In severe situations, if an expert recommends that a student change schools, the insurance also covers related expenses such as enrollment fees and schoolbooks.

Dokter said Univé is the first insurer to include standard coverage for the consequences of online bullying within a household policy. “Cyberbullying is a clear example of a new type of risk that is affecting more people in an increasingly online world,” he said. “By adapting our coverage, we can continue to support our members when they need it most.”

The policy expansion also addresses online transaction fraud. As of this month, customers are insured for up to 300 euros per calendar year for losses linked to fraudulent online purchases or sales. According to CBS data, 7 percent of people in the Netherlands were victims of online purchase fraud in 2024, while 1 percent experienced fraud when selling goods online.