National Assembly advances technical talks to modify school bullying law

Panama's National Assembly is actively engaged in refining the legal framework surrounding school bullying and youth violence. A second technical working group convened recently to review and strengthen existing legislation, focusing on Law 289 and proposed adjustments to Draft Law 84. This initiative is currently before the Health Commission awaiting formal adoption.

The discussions brought together representatives from various key sectors. Government entities like the Ministry of Education (Meduca), the Ombudsman's Office, and the judicial branch's child welfare division participated. Civil society groups, parents, and the mothers of two students who formally championed the draft law were also actively involved.

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the objective is to correct the legal gaps in Law 289 on School Bullying

According to Deputy Grace Hernández, the work is structured into five thematic groups to ensure an efficient article-by-article review. The primary goal is to address the legal loopholes in Law 289, which, despite having protocols and policies, exhibits structural weaknesses in practical application. A significant focus is placed on defining clear consequences for both aggressors and the individuals responsible for enforcing regulations, with Hernández stressing that protocols are ineffective without sanctions for non-compliance.

The working groups also aim to enhance coordination among public institutions to ensure the system functions comprehensively and to foster shared responsibility with civil society. Following this phase, a more comprehensive document will be prepared for a third technical meeting, where the final text will be consolidated before being presented for debate in the full legislative session.

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the protocols are not effective if sanctions are not established for their non-compliance.