The Ministry of Justice explains responsibility for bullying at school and ways to get support.

Bullying at school Photo: Ministry of Education

Bullying remains one of the most widespread problems in the student body and requires a comprehensive approach to it solution For this reason, the state focuses special attention on the prevention of harassment (especially of minors), the formation of a safe space and the increase of legal literacy of citizens regarding ways to protect their own rights. On October 29, the Ministry of Justice explains how to protect children from bullying.

What is bullying and what are its features According to the Ukrainian legislation, bullying is the action of the subjects of the educational process, consisting of psychological, physical, economic, sexual violence, including the use of electronic means of communication, committed against a minor or minor person or by this person in relation to other subjects of the educational process, as a result of which damage to the mental or physical health of the victim may or has been caused.

Among the main signs of bullying:

• systematicity (periodicity);
• the presence of actors — bully (buller), victim and eyewitnesses;
• purposefulness – the desire to humiliate, insure, subjugate or fence off the victim;
• consequences — mental, psychological or physical torment, damage to the health or social adaptation of a person.

The main types of manifestation of bullying and the difference with conflict Bullying can take many forms. Among the most common:

• psychological (threats, blackmail, contemptuous looks);
• physical (pushing, kicking, bodily injury tasks);
• economic (theft, damage to clothing or personal belongings);
• sexual (disgusting body movements, filming in locker rooms, other images of a sexual nature);
• cyberbullying (intimidation and blackmail through correspondence in social networks, publication of humiliating photos and videos).

At the same time, it is important to distinguish between an argument and bullying. A dispute is a clash of interests in which both parties behave on an equal footing. Bullying is systematic violence aimed at humiliating or subjugating another person when the parties are unequal in power or position.

Liability for harassment Liability for committing bullying is provided for in Article 173-4 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses:

• fine from 850 to 1,700 hryvnias or community service from 20 to 40 hours — for the first violation;
• fine from 1,700 to 3,400 hryvnias or community service from 40 to 60 hours — for repeated harassment or harassment committed by a group of persons;
• if the bullying is committed by minors between the ages of 14 and 16, their parents or legal representatives are responsible;
• failure to report cases of bullying by the head of an educational institution is also an administrative violation.

In the event that actions related to bullying caused serious consequences, including bodily harm, they may be classified as a criminal offense. Criminal liability is provided for such actions – from restriction or deprivation of liberty to correctional labor, depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime.

Mechanism of response to bullying. Where to turn for help Educational institutions must provide a safe space, prevent violence and discrimination, respond in time to bullying and provide support to victims. The response procedure provides that the employees of the educational institution must immediately stop dangerous actions, if necessary, call for medical assistance, notify the management, parents and the police. Each participant in the educational process can also report bullying to the head of the institution or relevant services.

If your child has suffered from bullying or you have become aware of such a situation, you should contact:

• to the National Police of Ukraine (tel. 102);
• to the Single contact telephone number of the free legal aid system — 0 800 213 103;
• to the hotline for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking and gender discrimination — 116 123 or 0 800 500 335;
• to the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — 0 800 50 17 20.

How to get free legal help It is possible to receive the services of the BPD provision system remotely and face-to-face. Remotely (on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Kyiv time).

By phone:

• From mobile or landline phones within Ukraine: 0 800 213 103 (calls are free)
• For calls from abroad +38 044 363 10 41 (the cost of a call from abroad according to the tariffs of your telecommunications operator).

In writing:

• Telegram
• Facebook
• Instagram

You can contact the nearest legal aid office offline, regardless of your place of residence. Office location and information about working hours.

The source