Shocking Statistics: Nearly 6% of Portuguese Youth Report Being Victims of Bullying

Alarming Findings from National Survey

Almost 6% of young people aged 11 to 18 in Portugal have reported being victims of bullying in schools, according to a national survey involving 31,133 students. This translates to 1,837 individuals, highlighting a concerning trend that demands attention.

The results were revealed by the Minister of Youth and Modernization, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, ahead of a report presentation on bullying at Escola Secundária Rainha D. Leonor in Lisbon. This session will also feature the Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, alongside Manuela Veríssimo, a psychologist and professor, who led the government working group examining this issue.

Gender Disparities in Bullying

The data indicates that most victims are girls, whereas boys are primarily the aggressors. Minister Lopes emphasized the need for enhanced prevention strategies, especially given that similar studies in Finland, Japan, and Denmark show victimization rates around 2%.

Age-Related Trends in Bullying

The survey also revealed significant patterns concerning the evolution of bullying and cyberbullying with age. While traditional bullying tends to decrease as students grow older, cyberbullying appears to be on the rise, linked to increased digital platform exposure among older youth.

Comprehensive Approach to Combat Bullying

The upcoming event will outline strategic recommendations to tackle bullying, extending beyond schools to involve families and digital platforms. Additionally, four types of informational pamphlets will be distributed to teachers, operational assistants, students, and parents this week to raise awareness and provide guidance on recognizing and responding to bullying incidents.

Importance of Operational Assistants

Minister Lopes acknowledged the crucial role of operational assistants in identifying bullying cases, noting that many incidents occur outside classrooms. She urged vigilance for signs such as sadness, isolation, declining academic performance, or depression.

Serious Consequences of Bullying

The report underscores that bullying, characterized as repeated and intentional violence against peers, has severe consequences not just for victims but for the overall school environment, contributing to absenteeism and academic failure. In cases of cyberbullying, the persistent nature of online harassment complicates intervention efforts. Experts advocate for a shift from punitive to preventive, educational, and restorative approaches, involving the entire educational community to foster a safe and inclusive school environment. Alarmingly, it’s estimated that 60% of bullying incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation, mistrust in institutional responses, or lack of knowledge about reporting channels. To address this, the report suggests establishing a national support line for victims and enhancing specialized training for the school community.