President Sergio Mattarella opened the new school year in Naples with a speech centered on young people, education, and the future.

“Violence sometimes takes less obvious forms: the arrogance of bullying that demeans and excludes,” he warned, adding that social media are often used as “weapons that strike deeply.” His appeal was clear: “Bullying and intimidation must be fought with determination. Abuse is not strength, but cowardice.”

Mattarella stressed that “our Constitution makes school open to everyone” and that the mission is “to integrate disadvantaged students and fight dropout rates.” He also highlighted the risks of isolation linked to excessive or careless use of technology: “No one can truly grow if condemned to loneliness in a purely virtual dimension. School is community: young people need friendships and shared experiences.”

Finally, he urged families to trust both teachers and their children: “In this time of profound change, it will be the younger generations who interpret and shape the future.” He closed with the words of Vittorio Bachelet: “When history digs deep, it is vital to sow good seeds. School is a great and precious sower.”