This week, we held a very special meeting with the parents of students from 4th grade to High School to discuss Law 14.811, recently enacted, which establishes protection measures for children and adolescents against violence, particularly bullying and cyberbullying, in educational settings.
We were fortunate to have lawyers Andréa and Luciana Niess join us, providing essential insights on the topic. During the discussion, they highlighted how, until recently, bullying was often minimized as just “teasing” among children and adolescents. However, the consequences of this behavior can be devastating, leaving deep, often unrecognized, emotional scars.
One important point raised was how bullying can manifest in subtle ways, making it even harder for parents and educators to identify. Behavioral changes such as isolation, declining academic performance, persistent sadness, anxiety, and even panic disorder can be signs that something is wrong.
Unfortunately, Brazil is one of the countries with the highest incidence of bullying, and this reality has led many young people to develop issues like depression and anxiety, which can result in even more severe consequences. Therefore, the approval of Law 14.811 is a significant milestone in protecting our children and adolescents, offering legal support that previously did not exist.
We sincerely thank lawyers Andréa and Luciana Niess for sharing their knowledge and contributing to this crucial discussion. We believe that together, we can create a safer and more welcoming environment for all our students.