Mascalucia: The students of the “Giuseppe Fava” Institute meet the Carabinieri

A special lesson was the one organized by the Carabinieri for the students of fifth grade classes of primary school and first and second grade classes of secondary school of the “Giuseppe Fava” Institute of Mascalucia, which they had the opportunity to meet the military of the Gravina Company of Catania for a discussion on the topic of bullying and cyberbullying. The initiative, which is part of the collaboration project between the Carabinieri and the world of schools, saw the participation of Captain Riccardo Capodivento, Commander of the Gravina di Catania Company, and of the young Carabiniere Mauro Criscuolo, assigned to the Mascalucia branch. The latter, thanks to his age and his direct and student-friendly language, managed to create a climate of empathy and trust, breaking down any barriers of discomfort and encouraging an open and sincere dialogue, almost on equal terms.

During the meeting, the Carabinieri illustrated to the kids how to recognize and deal with bullying, both in its traditional and digital form, highlighting the psychological and legal consequences of these hateful behaviors. Particular attention, in fact, was dedicated to the use of social networks, highlighting how sharing offensive images or videos can amplify the damage to victims and transform simple pranks into real crimes.

“Many kids start out as a game, without realizing the implications of their actions,” the military stressed., warning about the risks of a superficial and irresponsible use of digital platforms that transform what is published into viral, effectively preventing its control and definitive cancellation. One of the fundamental aspects of the conference was the message of closeness and support that the Carabinieri wanted to convey to the boys., as the Arma is always available to listen and help anyone who is in difficulty. Reporting bullying is the first step to protecting yourself and others.

The event proved to be a moment of great participation, with a lively exchange of opinions between the students and the representatives of the force, who answered all the questions clearly and willingly. The initiative was also welcomed with enthusiasm by the school management and teachers, who underlined the importance of these meetings to raise awareness among the kids and promote a culture of legality. The hope is that moments of discussion like this can be repeated, helping to strengthen in young people the awareness of their rights and duties and of the importance of the bond with the institutions, which work for their safety and well-being.