On Tuesday (23/12), the Senate approved a bill that classifies bullying and cyberbulling as crimes in the Penal Code, that is, intimidation — physical or psychological — whether virtual or not. The proposal must be sanctioned by the President. The topic gained notoriety this year after many cases of crimes committed online against children and teenagers were reported, particularly through social networks. The crimes involve, racism, sexual and psychological abuse, physical and verbal violence, extortion, blackmailing and more.
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Penalty
The penalty provided for by the project for the crime of cyberbullying is imprisonment for two to four years and a fine. As for bullying, the forecast is only a fine.
Heinous crimes
The proposal also adds other practices to the Heinous Crimes Law:
- induction, instigation or assistance in suicide or self-harm carried out through a computer network, social network or transmitted in real time
- kidnapping and false imprisonment committed against a minor under 18
- human trafficking committed against children or adolescents
- In this type of crime, there is no bail, pardon or amnesty
Protection in Schools
The project also provides for the municipal and Federal District Executive Branch to implement measures to prevent and combat violence against children and adolescents in educational facilities. According to the project, protocols must be developed in partnership with public security and health agencies and with the participation of the school community. The measures must provide for continued training of teachers and information for the school community and the neighborhood.2023 had the highest number of school shootings in the country’s history, and many had online forums as source of information on how to commit such acts of violence. In the virtual world, attackers also found people that motivated them to carry out the killings.
