by InTrieste
As concerns over cyberbullying grow, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is expanding efforts to address online harassment among young people. On Tuesday, regional officials marked Safer Internet Day with an event in Trieste, emphasizing the need for institutional collaboration to combat the issue.
Pierpaolo Roberti, the region’s councillor for security, spoke at the event, which was held at the Morpurgo school and attended by about 100 students. Organized by the nonprofit group #Cuoriconnessi in partnership with the Italian State Police, the initiative is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about digital safety.
“Cyberbullying is a serious and widespread issue that requires a coordinated response from institutions,” Roberti said. “Young people rely heavily on digital tools, which are essential in daily life but can also expose them to significant risks.”
The Friuli Venezia Giulia region has allocated funding to 17 cyberbullying prevention programs across cities and smaller communities. Many of these initiatives involve local police forces and include workshops and firsthand testimonies aimed at educating students on responsible digital behavior.
In addition to prevention efforts, the region has funded specialized training for law enforcement officers, with 56 officials receiving instruction on identifying and addressing cyberbullying and related concerns, such as youth gang activity. Authorities have also set up protected listening rooms in local police stations in Trieste, Muggia, and the Carnia area, offering a confidential space where minors and vulnerable individuals can report abuse under the supervision of trained officers and psychologists.
Tuesday’s event in Trieste included a discussion with police officers and Italian swimming champion Stefania Pirozzi, highlighting the broader societal role in addressing cyberbullying. Also in attendance were Trieste’s Chief of Police, Pietro Ostuni, and Raffaella Cervetti, principal of the Ai Campi Elisi Comprehensive Institute.
The initiatives in Friuli Venezia Giulia reflect a growing national push in Italy to tackle online harassment, as authorities work to develop legal and educational frameworks that keep pace with the digital landscape.
