Innovative Anti-Bullying Law
Argentina's Mendoza province has introduced a law imposing fines and educational community service on adults for bullying behavior by minors in their care.
In late 2022, the Mendoza Legislature in Argentina approved a groundbreaking anti-bullying law aimed at holding adults accountable for the bullying actions of minors in their care. This law facilitates the imposition of fines and mandates community service as sanctions for responsible adults who fail to address such issues effectively. Furthermore, the law outlines intervention protocols involving schools and interdisciplinary support teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling bullying.
Once a bullying incident is reported by a school, the responsible adult is required to take specific measures to prevent further occurrences and mitigate the harm caused. Compliance with these measures is essential, and a common issue is the failure of adults to attend mandated meetings or follow-up interventions. In such cases, the law permits the involvement of the Contraventional Court to enforce accountability, categorizing the negligence of supervision and care as an infraction.
This legislation represents a significant step in combating bullying in Argentina, reflecting a growing recognition of the serious impact of bullying on children and the responsibility of adults in preventing and addressing it. By establishing clear consequences for adults, the Mendoza government aims not only to deter bullying but also to encourage a more active role for family members in fostering a safe and supportive environment for children.