Over the past year, 1,200 cases of bullying were reported. According to the Ministry of Education and Research, this figure represents 15% of the total number of suspected cases of abuse reported in schools. Compared to 2023, there were 114 more confirmed cases, indicating better reporting rather than an increase in aggressive behavior among children, according to authorities. The issue was discussed during a public meeting organized in Parliament, IPN reports.

“These figures do not indicate that there were fewer cases before and more now. This statistic is actually positive because it reflects an increase in reporting. Civil society surveys on this phenomenon show a rate of 22%, not 15%, which highlights a discrepancy between the actual phenomenon and reported cases. It is not that children have become more violent, but rather that there is more discussion about this issue”, explained Valentina Olaru, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research.

The concept of bullying was introduced into national legislation in 2022, when Parliament adopted a law to this effect. Subsequently, the Ministry of Education and Research developed methodological norms for implementing the law and proposed regulations for preventing and combating this phenomenon. Thus, starting in 2023, cases of bullying in educational institutions began to be officially reported.

Gheorghina Drumea, a member of the Council for Equality, emphasized that bullying is repetitive in nature. Given this repetition, if no change occurs after the first warning, sanctions, including those against parents, should be considered for subsequent offenses. “We not only need a definition of bullying but also mechanisms to hold both aggressors and parents accountable”, Drumea stated.

Currently, the Contravention Code stipulates a fine of approximately 150 lei for failing to fulfill child maintenance, education, and training obligations. However, this penalty is not substantial for a parent. Drumea believes that monetary fines are not an effective solution and suggests alternative remedies such as community service or mandatory therapy sessions to ensure accountability and awareness of the offense.

“We need to improve our approach and come up with proposals that contribute to the prevention and combating of this phenomenon. We must intensify our efforts to ensure that every student feels safe at school and to create a warm and friendly environment in all educational institutions”, said the member of the Parliament Angela Munteanu-Pojoga.

According to data from the General Police Inspectorate, over 250 cases of violence in educational institutions were documented last year, including 27 cases of psychological violence, 221 cases of physical violence, and 6 cases of sexual violence.