Understanding Bullying and Its Impact
Bullying, or school bullying, is a rising concern in Mexico. It involves intentional, repetitive actions that create an imbalance of power between the aggressor and victim. These actions can be physical, verbal, or psychological, leading to severe consequences such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and in extreme cases, suicide.
Bullying Statistics in Mexico
According to the International Bullying Without Borders NGO’s official study for America, seven out of ten children in Mexico experience some form of bullying and cyberbullying daily. Mexico leads the world, along with Spain, in bullying incidents.
- More than 40 million primary and secondary school students in Mexico are affected, with 28 million experiencing bullying—a number equivalent to the combined populations of Portugal, Belgium, Uruguay, and Chile.
- The bullying environment is fueled by violence, where an aggressor is often admired among teenagers and younger students.
- There has been a growing trend of bullying and abuse on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, resulting in damaged or deceased children.
Consequences and Society’s Response
Tragic incidents highlight the severity of bullying in Mexico. In 2023, Norma Lizbeth died after being assaulted by a classmate in Teotihuacán, Estado de México. She had endured school bullying since primary school due to her skin color.
- In 2014, a 12-year-old boy in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, died after classmates hung him as a “punishment” for not completing homework, causing internal injuries.
- In 2016, a Torreón, Coahuila teenager was stripped and assaulted by her classmates, who recorded and shared the video on social media.
Although many bullying incidents go unreported, some high-profile cases have prompted authorities to implement anti-bullying protocols.
Legislative Efforts Against Bullying
In March of this year, the Mexico City Congress approved a proposal by Patricia Urriza Arellano of the Movement of Citizens party, urging the Federal Education Authority in Mexico City (AEFCM) to take necessary actions to strengthen the dissemination, promotion, and application of the Protocol for Eradicating School Bullying.
- Reinforce the anti-bullying protocol.
- Promote healthy coexistence.
- Investigate school violence incidents to detect, prevent, and address cases affecting students.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the International Day Against Bullying? It’s a global observance established in 2011 to raise awareness and combat bullying in schools worldwide.
- Why is bullying a significant issue in Mexico? Mexico leads the world in school bullying incidents, affecting 28 million students out of 40 million in primary and secondary education.
- What are the consequences of bullying? Bullying can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and in extreme cases, suicide.
- What legislative actions are being taken against bullying in Mexico? The Mexico City Congress approved a proposal to strengthen the dissemination, promotion, and application of the Protocol for Eradicating School Bullying.
