FROM BULLYING TO DELINQUENT ACTS: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS AND PREVENTING VIOLENCE

Abstract

Clinical practice with adolescents and their families has highlighted the emotional suffering associated with bullying and cyberbullying, as well as the difficulties faced by many parents and guardians in recognizing signs, understanding the relational dynamics involved, and identifying the responsibilities and legal rights related to this type of violence. Added to this scenario are the challenges in the proper management of situations of aggression among peers.
The normalization of these behaviors contributes to such behaviors, when not identified and addressed early, evolving into trajectories that can culminate in offenses during adolescence.
The articulation between clinical experience and the legal foundations that guide the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents highlights the importance of accessible materials, theoretically grounded and aligned with the real demands of Brazilian families. In this context, legal instruments that regulate the subject stand out, such as the Statute of Children and Adolescents (Law No. 8,069/1990), the Law to Combat Systematic Intimidation (Law No. 13,185/2015), and Law No. 14,811/2024, which establishes measures to prevent violence against children and adolescents, including new classifications related to bullying and cyberbullying.

Considering that these forms of violence have multifactorial dynamics, cross different contexts of coexistence, and significantly impact the socio-emotional development of children and adolescents, it becomes necessary to structure clear, consistent, and systematized guidelines capable of strengthening co-responsibility among the different actors involved and supporting educational and preventive practices.
This material is based on established references in Psychology and Education and articulates contributions from national and international authors who investigate child development, parenting, school coexistence, and the prevention of these forms of violence, supporting the understanding of their multiple dimensions and the effectiveness of intervention strategies.

Objective
To offer theoretical, practical, and legal support to education professionals, psychologists, and families, based on references from Psychology, Education, and current legislation (ECA, Law No. 13.185/2015 and Law No. 14.811/2024), to guide the prevention and confrontation of bullying and cyberbullying, promote dialogue, co-responsibility, inclusive educational practices, and the strengthening of healthy bonds.