Bullying Lei 2024
Bullying and Cyberbullying Law in the US: A New Era of Protection for Children
In 2024, a new law was enacted to criminalize bullying and cyberbullying behaviors. This law, known as Lei 14.811 de 2024, aims to put an end to systematic and consistent intimidation, which often affects children and adolescents through social media and other online platforms.
Bullying is a widespread problem in American schools, with more than 16 percent of U.S. school children reporting being bullied during the current term. According to a survey funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, or psychological abuse. In addition, the impact of bullying can be long-lasting, affecting the mental health of both the bullies and their victims well into adulthood.
Videos on Bullying and Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying, or electronic aggression, is a relatively new form of bullying that involves the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten others. According to a survey conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), youth who are the targets of cyberbullying are at greater risk for depression than are the youth who bully them. This is in contrast to traditional forms of bullying, where bully-victims—those who both bully others and are bullied themselves—are more likely to report feelings of depression.
The Impact of Bullying on Children’s Mental Health
Being bullied can interfere with a child’s academic achievement, social skills development, and overall well-being. In a study published last year, researchers found that the prevalence of bullying is high, with 20.8 percent of U.S. adolescents in school having been physically bullied at least once in the last two months, 53.6 percent having been verbally bullied, and 51.4 percent being socially bullied (excluded or ostracized). Additionally, 13.6 percent of students reported being electronically bullied.
Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying
To prevent bullying and cyberbullying, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration advises parents to encourage their children to report any incidents of bullying or troubling online behaviors immediately. The agency also provides a list of steps that parents can take to help prevent cyberbullying and respond to it effectively. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources and information on electronic aggression for parents, educators, and researchers.
