CHALLENGES IN HOLDING ADOLESCENTS INVOLVED IN CYBERBULLYING ACCOUNTABLE: LEGAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The socio-educational sanctions provided for by the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) are insufficient to prevent the recurrence of cyberbullying practices by minors, nor to ensure fair compensation for victims. The virtual space, characterized by anonymity and the rapid dissemination of harmful content, poses an obstacle that traditional ECA measures were not designed to address. This type of digital aggression demands more targeted and preventive responses that consider its specificities. The purpose of this research is to examine the punishments applicable to violators of the law and highlight the harm caused, based on court decisions and actual episodes of cybercrimes. Cyberbullying has intense and prolonged emotional impacts on victims, often generating trauma that can last for long periods. Although the legislation establishes socio-educational measures, such as warnings or community service, these alternatives do not always effectively repair the harm caused, raising questions about their true effectiveness in these contexts.