The National Bullying Observatory, set up four years ago, has received over 600 complaints, as reported by SIC Notícias on 31 January 2024. This figure represents a significant, though certainly underestimated, proportion of the bullying incidents that frequently occur in schools. Since January 2020, these complaints have been received through an online platform facilitated by the National Bullying Observatory.

An analysis of the 627 complaints underscores a range of factors driving bullying behaviors, with physical appearance prominently featured, alongside academic performance and age often cited as rationales.

Over the past three years, the National Bullying Observatory has noted a predominance of complaints from girls, while the perpetrators are predominantly male. Victims, averaging almost 14 years old, frequently find themselves targeted in schoolyard settings.

Bullying primarily manifests as psychological aggression, though instances of social, physical, or sexual violence are not uncommon.

The repercussions for victims are severe, with manifestations including anxiety, nervousness, sadness, shame, impaired concentration, and sleep disturbances.