Physical and mental abuse, including sexual offences, will be punishable with sentences of between one and five years in prison.
The new law, approved by the government on October 28, means that school violence can be considered a criminal act.
The law also applies to students aged from 12 to 16 who will have to enrol educational supervisory measures, should it be proved that they practised acts of violence.
Minister of Education Isabel Alçada said: “Acts of intimidation, physical or psychological abuse and violence against other students and members of the school community will be punishable.”
