Italian Legislative Proposal of Criminalising Bullying : General Critical Considerations

Enrico Lanza

doi:10.46282/blr.2022.6.2.302

Authors

Enrico Lanza University of Catania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6638-3804

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46282/blr.2022.6.2.302

Keywords:

Bullying, Cyberbullying, Penal law, Criminalization, Complexity, Systemic approach, Italy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand if criminalising bullying is a solution to counter and prevent the phenomenon. The Italian legislative proposal of criminalisation offers hints to discuss about a general problem while underlining that the penal solution is not the answer to solve a complex social problem as bullying (and cyberbullying) is. The creation of a specific crime determines a simplification of the question because it concentrates the attention on the dyad bully-victim, without considering the essential role of the group. Taking into account the role of the group and the relationship between the bully and the group implies a systemic approach.

Author Biography

Enrico Lanza, University of Catania

Researcher in Criminal Law
The Department of Political nd Social Sciences
University of Catania
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 49
95131 Catania; Italy
elanza@unict.it

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