Education and Peer Violence and Cyberbullying

Violence against children and adolescents is neither an isolated nor a temporary problem.

It is a phenomenon that often develops gradually—from seemingly innocent behaviors, through a lack of response from those around them, to actual psychological and physical harm. That is why educational initiatives, open dialogue, and shared responsibility among adults are so important.

In early February, the OliEdu Foundation for Civic Education had the honor of participating in an important educational event at High School No. 2 within the Janusz Korczak School Complex No. 1 in Łańcut. The event was attended by students, parents, educators, and invited experts to discuss peer violence, cyberbullying, and legal and social responsibility.

Violence is a process—not an incident

One of the key messages of the meeting was the realization that violence against minors is rarely a one-time occurrence. Most often, it is a process that begins with:

• the silence of those around them,
• downplaying warning signs,
• and excusing the aggressor’s behavior by citing age, stress, or a “difficult personality.”

It is precisely this lack of reaction from adults that very often becomes tacit consent to the escalation of violence—including violence that spills over into the Internet and social media.

Meeting with Students

The discussion was practical in nature and based on an analysis of specific, realistic situations that young people may encounter in their daily lives. Topics addressed included:

• the issue of hate speech in class-based online groups,
• the line between jokes and violence,
• the recording and sharing of fights,
• the lack of response from adults to students’ reports,
• online revenge,
• peer pressure,
• violence originating outside of school,
• situations where the perpetrator is a close friend,
• and parents’ responsibility for their children’s behavior.  

Experts pointed out that violence—both in the real world and in the digital world—is rarely a one-time incident. Most often, it develops gradually, and its escalation is fueled by the silence of witnesses and the lack of a decisive response from adults. The importance of responding quickly, securing evidence, reporting incidents, and utilizing available forms of assistance was emphasized. Attention was also drawn to the legal consequences of violence and cyberbullying, as well as to the role of schools and institutions in ensuring students’ safety.

A key element of the meeting was making young people aware that the courage to say “no,” peer support, and talking to a trusted adult can effectively break the cycle of violence.

Experts emphasized that the responsibility to respond lies not only with the victim, but also with witnesses, the school, and parents.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that although not all issues could be discussed in detail, the debate was primarily intended to raise awareness, encourage action, and show where to seek help. The meeting concluded with thanks to the experts and students for their active participation and commitment to such a socially important topic.

Substantive Support from the OliEdu Foundation – Expert Panel on Violence
The meeting also featured a session for educators, during which representatives of the OliEdu Foundation actively provided substantive support for two key discussion panels.

The first panel focused on the forms and likely causes of violence against minors, including both peer-to-peer and non-peer violence. Experts—including a psychologist representing the Foundation—addressed, among other things:

• the most commonly reported forms of violence and cyberbullying,
• the role of the Internet and social media in the escalation of conflicts,
• the significance of adults’ reactions (or lack thereof),
• peer pressure and the desire for “visibility” within a peer group,
• signs that may indicate experiences of violence, including sexual violence.

The psychological perspective presented by psychologist Ilona Obrączka helped participants better understand the mechanisms behind the behaviors of perpetrators and victims, as well as the consequences of long-term violence on the mental health of young people.

Juvenile Liability – A Legal Panel Featuring OliEdu Experts

The second panel focused on the civil and criminal liability of minors. The OliEdu Foundation was represented by Karol Zawiślak, Ph.D. in Law, who contributed to the debate with substantive answers regarding, among other things:

• the legal consequences of violence and cyberbullying under criminal law,
• the possibility of asserting one’s rights through civil proceedings as well,
• the rules governing a minor’s participation in criminal and civil proceedings,
• age limits for criminal liability,
• the role of parents and guardians in legal proceedings,
• and the financial liability of minors and their guardians.

This panel demonstrated that the legal responsibility of minors has not only a punitive dimension but also an educational and protective one—both toward victims and the entire school community.

Engagement That Matters

The OliEdu Foundation for Civic Education is consistently engaged in activities that support schools, parents, and young people in combating peer violence and cyberbullying.

Combining legal and psychological expertise allows us to effectively address the needs of the educational community and raise awareness that taking action matters.

Together, we say STOP to violence—because only through education, dialogue, and prevention can we effectively protect children and youth and build safe relationships based on respect and responsibility.