BullyBuster at “Maratona Bullismo 2026”
The BullyBuster Interuniversity Research Centre and the BullyBuster project will take part in the Maratona Bullismo 2026, the major national initiative promoted by the National Observatory on Bullying and Youth Distress, scheduled in Rome on 20–21 May 2026.
The event aims to promote a shared national commitment against bullying, cyberbullying and youth distress, transforming vulnerability into positive energy and young people into true “Champions of Life”. Over two days, institutions, schools, universities, researchers, sport federations, associations, families and media organizations will gather in Rome for discussions, educational activities, public talks and awareness initiatives dedicated to prevention and inclusion.
As part of the initiative, the BullyBuster scientific network will contribute through both a thematic panel and an interactive public booth in Piazza Mastai, which for the occasion will become the symbolic “Piazza del Rispetto” (“Square of Respect”).
Panel – 20 May 2026
On 20 May at 1:00 PM, representatives of the BullyBuster network will participate in the panel:
“From the Analysis of Youth Distress to Field Prevention: awareness, prevention and support”.
The session will focus on concrete prevention strategies, interdisciplinary research and operational experiences developed in collaboration with schools, institutions and third-sector organizations. The discussion will highlight how the integration of artificial intelligence, psychology, legal studies and educational sciences can support the early detection and prevention of bullying and cyberbullying phenomena.
The panel will feature:
- Gian Luca Marcialis (University of Cagliari and Director of the Interuniversity Research Centre “BullyBuster”)
- Donatella Curtotti (University of Foggia)
- Donato Impedovo (University of Bari “Aldo Moro”)
- Carlo Sansone (University of Naples Federico II)
- Grazia Terrone (University of Rome Tor Vergata)
The session will be moderated by journalist Paolo Notari.
The BullyBuster Booth – 20 and 21 May 2026
During both days of the Maratona, the BullyBuster team will also host an interactive booth in Piazza Mastai, open to students, teachers, families and visitors.
The booth will present the activities of the BullyBuster project and the Interuniversity Research Centre, showcasing research results, AI-based prevention tools and educational approaches developed to address bullying and cyberbullying in school and digital environments.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet researchers from the network, learn about the interdisciplinary methodology behind BullyBuster, and explore how technological innovation can support educational communities in building safer, more inclusive and more aware environments.