BULLYING AND CYBERBULLYING: WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Recent legislative initiatives in Italy to combat bullying and cyberbullying have reached a significant turning point with the entry into force of Legislative Decree 99/2025. This measure, published in the Official Gazette and effective since 16 July 2025, represents a coordinated and effective institutional response to phenomena that are increasingly prevalent among young people and children.

In particular, it provides for:

1. a) Strengthening of the 114 emergency service for children: the national reporting number has been made even more efficient, is now operational 24 hours a day and is equipped with new immediate psychological and legal assistance services, as well as specialised psycho-pedagogical counselling. Advanced features have been introduced, such as caller geolocation and an effective instant messaging service, always in compliance with privacy regulations.
2. b) Monitoring and statistical surveys: every two years, ISTAT will conduct a survey on the characteristics, risk factors and consequences of bullying, providing institutions with up-to-date and scientifically based indicators. The anonymous data collected will be sent annually to the Ministry of Education and Merit to guide prevention campaigns and targeted interventions.
3. c) Parental responsibility: one of the main new features is the reference in telephone contracts to Article 2048 of the Civil Code, which establishes the responsibility of parents for damage caused by their minor children through the internet. This reminds families and adults of their key role in digital supervision and education.
4. d) Information and training campaigns: periodic campaigns on the conscious use of the internet are planned, coordinated by the Prime Minister's Office with the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research. Schools are also called upon to promote awareness of emergency services and to strengthen their educational strategy towards respect for others in relationships.

It remains essential to reiterate that the heart of the solution lies in the education provided in the early years within the family. The effectiveness of the rules depends on their integration with a culture of prosociality, mutual respect and digital awareness.

The legislator itself points out that the shared educational responsibility of parents is central and that the ability of schools and institutions to have a real impact on the phenomenon is closely linked to the messages and daily behaviours that children internalise in the family.

In conclusion, Legislative Decree 99/2025 represents an essential regulatory pillar for the protection of minors and the promotion of digital safety, but the root of the solution remains in family educational responsibility, on which all other preventive actions find meaning, effectiveness and durability.

last update aug 2025