Increased occurrences of bullying and cyberbullying reported across European regions
In Italy, a growing trend of bullying among adolescents aged 11-19 is causing concern. The President of the Juvenile Court in Naples, Paola Brunese, has highlighted the issue, stating that boys are primarily the perpetrators of bullying and cyberbullying, often with homophobic, transphobic, and racist undertones.
Recent data and studies reveal that bullying is a common experience for many young Italians. According to the TIMSS data, about 68% of boys and 64% of girls in 8th grade report experiencing bullying. Although boys are more often physically bullied, girls face higher rates of emotional bullying during adolescence.
Cyberbullying remains a persistent issue in Italy, with regional initiatives in place to combat it. For instance, several Italian regions, such as Bolzano, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Valle d'Aosta, and Calabria, have developed programs offering psychological counseling, tutoring for victims, and educational workshops to address cyberbullying in schools.
The link between bullying and mental health is also a significant concern. Studies in Sicily have shown that bullying correlates with risk factors for eating disorders, particularly in girls. This intersection of social bullying experiences and individual health outcomes underscores the importance of addressing bullying to promote positive mental health outcomes among adolescents.
Francesco, a teenager from Cagliari, is one of many victims of bullying. He experienced physical and psychological bullying from his schoolmates, including a nickname, shoves, slaps on the head, and "strength tests." Physical violence affects 34% of 11-19 year-olds, with 7.8% experiencing it more than once a month.
The phenomenon of bullying affects both boys and girls in Italy. Paola Brunese has encountered cases of girls bullying others out of envy or jealousy, often targeting those who don't conform to the group's norms, such as those with a different clothing style or lifestyle.
The President of the Juvenile Court in Naples emphasizes the importance of reporting incidents of bullying. She encourages victims and witnesses to come forward to help break the cycle of bullying and ensure a safer environment for all young Italians.
In conclusion, bullying is a prevalent issue among Italian adolescents, with boys more frequently victimized overall, but emotional and cyber forms of bullying increasing among adolescent girls. Anti-bullying efforts in Italy address both traditional and online harassment, often integrating gender-aware approaches due to differing bullying experiences and risks by gender. By raising awareness and taking action, we can work together to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Italy's youth.
Work in these areas can help combat the problem of bullying among young Italians: health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth. Learning about these topics can provide strategies for coping with bullying and promote positive mental health outcomes. For instance, stress management techniques from fitness-and-exercise can help victims deal with the emotional toll of bullying, while education-and-self-development programs can teach empathy and respect to potential bullies. Additionally, focusing on personal growth and setting positive examples can discourage bullying behaviors. The promotion of these areas can be a key component in the overall anti-bullying effort.
