Brother’s letter that speaks for every victim of bullying

This exclusive English publication covers a case making national headlines in Italy, a tragedy that echoes far beyond its borders. On September 11, 2025, fifteen-year-old Paolo Mendico took his own life after enduring relentless bullying at school. His brother has called for justice and urgent measures to protect young people. Bullying, prevention, and youth protection are global concerns. At illuminem, we stand with these voices and help make sure they are heard.

Dear Prime Minister Meloni, and all authorities empowered to improve our schools,

With immense sorrow, I find myself compelled to write to you to denounce a most serious event that has struck my family and that, unfortunately, represents an open wound for the entire Italian school community.

On September 11, 2025, my brother, Paolo Mendico, only fifteen years old, a resident of Santi Cosma e Damiano (Latina), decided to take his life after repeated episodes of bullying suffered at the Rossi Institute.

Despite several reports and complaints being made to the competent local authorities, no concrete measures were ever taken to protect his dignity and his safety. After the tragedy, even Pope Leo XIV was informed of my brother’s death — further confirmation of the gravity and resonance of the case.

This tragedy is not an isolated case: many other young people have lost their lives for the same reasons. Each episode left without an adequate response is a failure that weighs not only on the families affected but on society as a whole.

I therefore ask that the death of my brother, and of the other victims, not be relegated to the shadows, and that urgent and decisive measures be taken to counter the phenomenon of bullying in Italian schools. It is essential to promote a culture of prevention, responsibility, and respect, so that no other boy or girl is forced to endure such psychological or physical violence as to drive them to extreme acts.

I appeal to you, Minister Valditara and President Meloni, not only as the relative of a victim but as a citizen asking for justice and protection for all young people. I urge you to treat this tragedy as an alarm that can no longer be ignored.

Confident in your sensitivity and commitment, I await a concrete and timely response.

With deep sorrow and respect,
Ivan Roberto Mendico

This article is an English translation of a piece originally published in La Repubblica. 

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