"Les enfants subissent la violence en silence": Río Tercero crée un observatoire après avoir détecté des cas d'intimidation et d'agressions sur les réseaux

The city of Río Tercero in Argentina has launched an initiative aimed at addressing rising concerns over digital violence against children and adolescents. The municipality announced the creation of an Observatory for Digital Protection and Wellbeing of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents, designed to monitor online activity, identify early signs of abuse, and guide public policy decisions related to mental health. This move comes after local authorities observed an increasing number of cases involving bullying and aggression occurring through mobile devices, messaging apps, and social media platforms, areas often overlooked by families and institutions. The initiative was introduced following reports of growing incidents of violence among students, particularly within educational settings and digital environments. Intendente Marcos Ferrer explained that the situation had become so prevalent that it required immediate attention. “We have detected many cases of violence, especially in schools, and violence on social networks,” he stated. He emphasized the difficulty of controlling the vast reach of social media but stressed the importance of developing programs to gather data and recognize early warning signs of abuse, particularly affecting younger populations. One of the main challenges identified by officials is recognizing situations that remain hidden and can significantly affect the emotional well-being of children and teenagers. Ferrer noted that while visible forms of violence are easier to detect, the more concerning issue lies in the unseen aspects, such as negative comments and cancellations on social media. “Many kids feel deeply affected or suffer silently from this kind of violence,” he said. The observatory aims to compile local statistics that will provide clearer insights into these issues and help shape targeted responses from the government. The issue extends beyond Río Tercero, with national data indicating widespread problems. According to the Organization Without Borders Against Bullying, six out of ten students in Argentina claim they have experienced bullying. Argentina ranks 11th globally in terms of severe bullying cases recorded. These figures highlight the broader context in which Río Tercero’s efforts are being made. Mental health has emerged as a critical concern for municipalities nationwide. Ferrer acknowledged that the phenomenon goes beyond the educational sector and argued that local governments must take on a more active role in addressing the growing mental health crisis. “Mental health is a topic we will inevitably have to address as municipalities because it has become a delicate issue,” he said. This concern arises amid a complex national landscape marked by rising suicide rates. A report from the National Criminal Information System (SNIC) revealed that Argentina recorded 5,209 suicides in 2025, the highest figure in recent years. The national rate increased from 9.7 to 11.8 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, representing a 22.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. Young people are disproportionately affected, with 45 percent of all suicide-related deaths in 2024 occurring among individuals aged 15 to 34. Comparing 2025 with 2017, the overall number of suicide cases rose by 57.6 percent. Ferrer linked this alarming trend to the rise in critical situations faced by many individuals, emphasizing that the issue should not be measured solely by extreme cases. “There are many situations that go unnoticed,” he remarked, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to support mental health and prevent further escalation of crises. The observatory represents an initial step toward creating a system capable of collecting and analyzing relevant data. Officials are currently in an experimental phase, assessing whether the municipality can generate accurate local statistics that would enable informed decision-making and effective interventions. The goal is to develop policies that can mitigate the risks associated with digital violence and promote healthier online interactions for young users. As the observatory begins its operations, the focus remains on identifying patterns, understanding the scope of the problem, and implementing measures that can safeguard the well-being of children and adolescents in both physical and virtual spaces. The initiative reflects a commitment to addressing emerging challenges through proactive governance and community engagement.