On April 7, 2025, Brazil observes the Dia Nacional de Combate ao Bullying e à Violência na Escola (National Day to Combat Bullying and Violence in Schools), a date that carries a heavy significance. This day serves not only as a reminder of the urgent need for preventive measures against bullying and violence in educational environments but also commemorates a tragic event from 2011. On this day, a massacre at the Escola Municipal Tasso da Silveira in Realengo, Rio de Janeiro, resulted in the deaths of 12 children and injuries to more than ten others. The perpetrator, Wellington Menezes de Oliveira, was a former student who, in his suicide note, revealed he had been a victim of bullying himself, highlighting the dire consequences of school aggression.
Fast forward to 2025, and the statistics are alarming: over 10% of Brazilian students, which translates to more than 6.5 million children and adolescents, reported experiencing some form of school violence in the past year. These numbers are likely underreported, as many cases go unspoken due to fear or intimidation. The situation demands immediate attention, as evidenced by recent incidents, including a stabbing of a teacher in Caxias do Sul by two students aged 14 and 15.
In light of these events, André Naves, a Federal Public Defender and expert in Human Rights and Social Inclusion, has raised his voice for urgent action. "The school should be a safe and welcoming space where respect and empathy are fundamental values. Bullying and violence are manifestations of a broader social problem that requires joint efforts from schools, families, and authorities," he emphasized. Naves calls for comprehensive educational strategies, including teacher training, the implementation of prevention programs, and the establishment of reporting channels for victims.
Brazil has made strides in addressing bullying through legislation, notably with the introduction of Law nº 14.811 in 2023, which criminalized both bullying and cyberbullying. Under this law, penalties for bullying can include fines, while cyberbullying offenses can lead to imprisonment for two to four years. However, Michele Mattana, a professor of School Psychology and Inclusion at the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), warns that the responsibility for combating bullying cannot rest solely on schools. "While schools must take action, the community, families, and public policies need to work together to create a supportive environment for students," she stated.
Mattana highlights the severe emotional consequences of bullying, which can include anxiety, depression, and social phobia. "We are seeing children and adolescents who are increasingly aware of mental health issues but are also emotionally fragile. They are always at risk of situations that can escalate into more serious problems," she noted. Furthermore, she advocates for the use of Restorative Justice techniques, such as Peace Circles, which allow victims and aggressors to engage in dialogue and seek mutual understanding.
As the national observance of bullying and violence in schools unfolds, various organizations, including the Instituto Ame Sua Mente and Plataforma Semente, are hosting discussions to address these critical issues. A live event scheduled for April 7 at 7 PM will feature psychologist Ana Carolina D’Agostini and psychiatrist Gustavo Estanislau, focusing on the role of families and educators in preventing school violence.
According to D’Agostini, the impacts of bullying extend beyond the classroom, affecting students' academic performance and self-esteem, and can lead to severe mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. "Confronting bullying begins with acknowledging the problem and fostering a school culture that values respect and empathy," she explained.
Despite existing laws like the Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente and the Penal Code, bullying remains a daily reality for many students. Maria Fernanda Tourinho Peres, a professor at the University of São Paulo, describes bullying as a persistent form of violence that is often overlooked. "It’s not a one-time incident; it’s a recurring situation where a student is systematically targeted," she said.
In recent years, the Brazilian education system has begun to recognize the need for proactive measures. Schools are now required to implement policies aimed at preventing and intervening in bullying incidents. However, experts like Mattana argue that these efforts must be complemented by community involvement. "Creating anti-bullying student groups can empower students to support their peers and identify cases of bullying more quickly, including cyberbullying," she suggested.
As the dialogue around bullying and violence in schools continues, the Netflix series "Adolescência" has sparked significant discussion. The show addresses the challenges faced by young people, including psychological violence and social exclusion, effectively bridging the gap between fiction and reality. By highlighting these issues, the series promotes empathy and understanding, essential components in the fight against bullying.
Ultimately, April 7 serves as a call to action for everyone in the educational ecosystem—parents, teachers, administrators, and students—to collaborate in creating safe and nurturing environments. The fight against bullying is not an individual task but a collective commitment to the well-being and dignity of children and adolescents. As we reflect on the past and look to the future, it is clear that sustained efforts are necessary to transform schools into spaces free from violence and discrimination.
