Nationwide Student Strike on October 28 to Address Bullying Issues

A significant general strike is scheduled to unfold across Spain on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This event, organized by the Student Union, aims to protest against the pervasive issue of bullying in schools and to honor the memory of Sandra Peña, a 14-year-old girl who tragically took her own life in Seville after enduring relentless bullying.

Details of the Nationwide Strike

This nationwide strike will encompass all educational levels, including compulsory secondary education (ESO), Bachillerato, vocational training (FP), and universities. Demonstrations are planned to take place simultaneously in all autonomous communities, with specific gatherings set to commence at noon. The Student Union has called for students, educators, and the general public to participate in this vital movement, emphasizing the need for collective action against bullying.

The Student Union has issued a powerful statement, declaring, “Sandra, we will not forget you. Enough of BULLYING and HATE SPEECH. There are those responsible!” This declaration not only pays tribute to Sandra but also highlights the urgent need for societal change regarding bullying and the culture of silence that often surrounds it.

Demonstration Locations in the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands, the primary locations designated for demonstrations will be:

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Plaza Weyler
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Plaza España

The Student Union is calling upon the public to join in solidarity with Sandra’s family and to express their rejection of the inadequate measures currently in place to combat bullying. The gatherings are expected to draw significant attention to the issue, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among participants.

Raising Awareness for Mental Health and Bullying Prevention

The union has emphasized that the strike aims to illuminate the pain experienced by countless young individuals who fall victim to bullying. They are advocating for a decisive response from educational authorities to confront this pressing issue head-on. The Student Union believes that addressing bullying is not merely an administrative task but a moral imperative that requires the involvement of the entire community.

In their statement, the organization highlighted, “Raising our voices against bullying and protecting our mental health is not an individual task; it is a collective struggle. Our present and our future are at stake.” This sentiment underscores the importance of community involvement in tackling bullying and fostering a safe environment for all students.

With over thirty years of advocacy for public education, the Student Union has observed a troubling rise in incidents of bullying and cyberbullying within Spanish schools. They are demanding immediate action from the Ministry of Education, including the establishment of a comprehensive state protocol designed to provide psychological support and ongoing assistance for victims of bullying. The call for action is not just about immediate measures but also about creating a long-term framework to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Key points

• A general strike is scheduled for October 28, 2025, across Spain to protest bullying.
• The strike is organized by the Student Union in memory of Sandra Peña.
• Demonstrations will occur in all autonomous communities, including the Canary Islands.
• Main gathering points in the Canary Islands are Plaza Weyler and Plaza España.
• The Student Union is advocating for stronger measures against bullying and mental health support.
• There has been an increase in bullying and cyberbullying cases in Spanish educational institutions.
• The union demands a unified state protocol from the Ministry of Education for victim support.