Possibilidades e estratégias para o enfrentamento ao bullying em uma escola estadual da Zona da Mata mineira

Abstract

This dissertation was developed within the framework of the Professional Master’s Program in Public Education Management and Evaluation (PPGP) at the Center for Public Policy and Education Evaluation of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). It addresses bullying as a form of microviolence practiced within a state public school located in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research had the following guiding question: how do the different manifestations of bullying occur within a state public school in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais? The general objective was to investigate and analyze these manifestations in order to design an Educational Action Plan proposing interventions to confront the problem. The specific objectives were: (i) to describe how bullying interferes with the daily life of the school; (ii) to analyze how bullying affects both perpetrators and victims; and (iii) to propose actions that promote solidarity, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and empathy as possible strategies to confront bullying. The theoretical framework encompasses studies on school violence, bullying, social capital, sociology of emotions, culture of peace, youth protagonism, and educational abilities. In addition to these conceptual references, primary sources were examined, including national and state legislation concerning bullying and strategies to undermine it. A documentary analysis of the institutional records dated from 2022 to mid-2025 was conducted, including the most recent Political-Pedagogical Project and Internal Regulations, minutes from the school board and administrative meetings as well as incident reports. Secondary data were gathered from official educational databases and municipal sources. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the school staff in order to collect qualitative data for this case study. The instruments aimed to verify actual bullying practices in the institution and to identify possible strategies for the mitigation of such microviolence, according to the suggestions of school professionals. Three analytical axes were established: Axis I – School Violence; Axis II – Bullying (Intimidation); and Axis III – Anti-bullying strategies. Based on the findings, an Educational Action Plan was developed, proposing two main initiatives: “Reformulation for Prevention and Action,” regarding the update on the school’s Political-Pedagogical Project and Internal Regulations; and “Training for Awareness,” which presents two fronts: monthly discussion circles among teachers to exchange information about bullying cases, and monthly training activities for school staff conducted by professionals from partner institutions. At last, the study presents its final considerations.