Puerto de la Cruz Unanimously Approves Regional Anti-Bullying Unit

Puerto de la Cruz is set to host a new Regional Unit dedicated to helping victims of school bullying. The City Council unanimously approved this important initiative, marking a significant step forward in protecting children's rights.

The Portuense Citizen Assembly (ACP) put forward the proposal, which received support from all political parties (PP, CC, and PSOE). The goal is to create a specialized, easy-to-access, and well-coordinated service that offers a complete solution to school bullying – a type of violence that deeply worries schools and society today.

The council's agreement acknowledges that school bullying isn't just a one-off event. It's a repeated and long-lasting form of violence between peers, often involving an imbalance of power, which leaves lasting scars on victims. This problem isn't confined to classrooms or playgrounds anymore; it extends outside schools and is made worse by cyberbullying, meaning victims can face constant harassment around the clock.

The effects of bullying can be severe and long-term, impacting children's and teenagers' schoolwork, mental well-being, and social-emotional growth. It can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and in the worst cases, thoughts of suicide.

This unanimous approval also carries significant symbolic and emotional weight. It comes at a time of increasing public concern, following recent tragic cases that have deeply affected the Canary Islands, particularly Puerto de la Cruz. One such case was that of Lucía, a young resident of Puerto de la Cruz who sadly passed away last February.

Lucía's mother, Laura Fernández, who is also the president of the 'Rompe el Silencio' (Break the Silence) Association, attended the session along with other members of her organization.

David Hernández, the Councilor for Participation, spoke during the session about the importance of learning to coexist, highlighting schools as vital places for children to socialize. He pointed out that "the rise of social networks has changed how children interact, creating online spaces that are often hidden from parents and teachers." The Mayor, Leopoldo Afonso, along with Alonso Acevedo, Pedro Antonio Campos, and Marco González, also expressed their strong support for Laura and her Association.

The upcoming Regional Unit is designed to be a comprehensive resource, bringing together professionals from different fields, including at least a psychologist, a social worker, and a legal expert. This team will provide full support to both victims and perpetrators of bullying, as well as their families. The unit will operate much like other established support systems, such as those for gender violence, to ensure specialized, coordinated help that follows current laws.

The agreement also includes setting up a Municipal Multidisciplinary Intervention Unit. This local unit will involve departments like Education, Sports, Health, and Social Services, working alongside security forces and a designated professional contact.

This municipal unit will assess each bullying case and, if needed, refer it to the new regional unit. Additionally, there's a plan to launch a Municipal School for Families, which will help parents tackle new educational challenges within the home.

Through this agreement, the Puerto de la Cruz City Council, together with other municipalities in the Orotava Valley, is committed to leading a more comprehensive and compassionate effort to combat school bullying.