Yellow September: Safety in Our Schools from the Perspective of 2025

School safety remains a crucial issue in 2025. After a challenging period, with attacks becoming more frequent in previous years, Brazil has mobilized to create safer, more welcoming environments. This concern is not limited to physical violence; it also extends to the emotional and psychological well-being of all students. It is essential for parents, educators and society as a whole to work together to strengthen care for our children and adolescents.

Legislation in Action

Federal Law 14,811/24 marked an important advance by including bullying and cyberbullying in the Criminal Code and increasing the penalties for crimes committed against children and adolescents. This legislation was an essential step toward naming and punishing practices that, for a long time, were viewed as mere pranks.

The law clearly defined bullying as systematic intimidation carried out repeatedly and without apparent reason. It can involve physical or psychological violence, as well as acts of humiliation and discrimination. Cyberbullying, meanwhile, encompasses the same type of intimidation but focuses on the digital environment, including social networks, online games and other virtual platforms.

Stricter Penalties

The law also intensified punishments, increasing by two-thirds the penalty for anyone who murders a child under the age of 14 inside a school. Another significant point is that the penalty for inducing or assisting suicide may be doubled if the perpetrator is the leader of a virtual group, reinforcing the importance of monitoring and protecting young people in the online world.

Beyond the Law: A Commitment to Education and Coexistence

Although laws are a fundamental pillar, they are only the starting point. The great challenge—and our greatest opportunity—is to create a culture of respect and empathy inside and outside schools. Recent studies continue to show that violence, whether physical, psychological or online, has a profound impact on students’ lives, leading to school dropout and affecting their social and academic development.

Combating this violence requires a commitment that goes beyond legislation. Educational institutions must promote the appreciation of diversity and the creation of narratives that celebrate differences, creating an environment where every student feels seen, valued and that they belong.

To build a safer and fairer future, the path forward is to unite our efforts. Laws give us the tools, but real transformation happens every day, through the engagement of parents, educators and the entire community in building an educational environment that welcomes, protects and empowers.

By: Kelly Baptista, president of Fundação 1Bi.