Institutional due diligence and cyberbullying: Protection of fundamental rights in public schools in Piura, Peru

Abstract

The increasing use of digital platforms in the educational sector has transformed interactions among students; however, it has also facilitated cyberbullying as a form of violence that infringes upon fundamental rights such as equality, privacy, dignity, personal integrity, and access to a safe education. This article examines institutional due diligence as both a legal and governance standard for preventing, addressing, and sanctioning cases of cyberbullying in public schools in Piura, Peru. The study adopts a legal-doctrinal approach based on the analysis of applicable national and international legal frameworks, as well as the assessment of the obligations of educational institutions regarding prevention, timely response, and the comprehensive protection of students. The findings indicate that an effective institutional response requires the implementation of response protocols, early detection mechanisms, continuous training for teachers and school administrators, and coordinated action with families and the competent authorities. The study concludes that institutional due diligence constitutes an essential principle for ensuring the effective protection of the rights of children and adolescents, while also strengthening safe, inclusive, and human rights–respecting digital school environments