Reports of school bullying in Mexico City have experienced a 205% increase in 2024 compared to 2019, according to data from the Citizen Council for Security and Justice. Most cases (45%) occur in middle school, followed by elementary school (27%), high school (17%), preschool (6%), and higher education (4%). The statistics reveal that 49% of victims are between 12 and 15 years old, and 55% are girls and adolescent women.
In response to this issue, Deputy Tania Larios, coordinator of the PRI parliamentary group in the CDMX Congress, has presented an initiative to include bullying in the Penal Code and establish penalties against those who perpetrate this type of violence.
The initiative proposes adding Chapter VII on "school bullying" to the city's Penal Code, with penalties ranging from twenty-five to fifty days of community service, as well as fines that would range between four thousand 342.8 and twenty-one thousand 714 pesos. Additionally, it is contemplated to punish the participation in bullying attributable to teachers or school administrators with the suspension of authority, removal from office, or disqualification for 10 years.
Moreover, it is proposed to increase the penalties by up to two-thirds if the bully accompanies the bullying with acts of discrimination, use of sharp, flammable objects or firearms, use of electronic means for bullying, or damage to the property of the attacked individuals. The implementation of psychological rehabilitation programs for the aggressors is also foreseen.
The deputy emphasized that school bullying is one of the most prevalent forms of violence and can lead victims to suicide. The proposal aims to eradicate this issue and ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.
