Santa Cruz School suspends 34 students for cyberbullying against freshmen.

247 - Colégio Santa Cruz, one of the most renowned educational institutions in São Paulo, suspended 34 high school students for involvement in a case of cyberbullying against younger classmates. The attacks occurred in a WhatsApp group and, according to the school, the students were punished with suspensions ranging from two days to an indefinite period. The information was released by the portal. g1.

The incident involved 2th and 3th year high school students who allegedly used the platform to intimidate and humiliate freshmen. In a statement, the school said it is investigating the facts and applying "the appropriate educational measures."

The school administration also released a letter to the school community, expressing outrage at the attacks and committing to strengthening awareness campaigns about violence in student relations. "This work and discussion are being extended to other student groups," the document states.

Since January 2024, bullying and cyberbullying have been considered crimes under the Penal Code, following the enactment of the law by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). The legislation provides penalties for those who practice or encourage this type of violence in the digital environment.

Read the full text of the "letter to the Santa Cruz School community":

Dear families and dear educators

We express our sadness and deep indignation regarding the aggressions between high school students at the school, in WhatsApp groups, which we became aware of this week and which violate the fundamental values ​​of Colégio Santa Cruz, of ethnic coexistence and respect for others, worked on daily by educators with the students of the school.

We would like to clarify that, after receiving complaints, we promptly began investigating the facts, which led us to take a series of actions, including suspending 34 students directly involved in the case and expanding our work with all high school students to raise their awareness of violence in their relationships and involve them in building a more respectful environment, including on digital networks. This work and discussion are being extended to other student groups.

We are also holding meetings with all the families enrolled in the course, as we believe that trust and partnership in the students' educational work are essential for facing the challenges of life in society together, in such complex times.

We appreciate the messages received from families, alumni, and educators during this difficult time, and we count on everyone's care to protect the identity of our students.

We will remain steadfast in our purpose of educating our students according to the humanist and Christian principles of Colégio Santa Cruz, anchored in respect, empathy, and dignity.

Management Team of Santa Cruz College