Govt begins drafting anti-bullying bill
He said measures have already been taken under existing laws, but further action is required.
President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government has begun work on legislation to criminalise bullying.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, the President said bullying is a longstanding issue affecting both children and adults.
He said measures have already been taken under existing laws, but further action is required.
“Even within the current legal framework, there are provisions to take action against matters related to bullying,” he said.
The President noted that amendments to the Penal Code of Maldives in 2024 introduced offences relating to cyber violence, including cyberstalking.
He said the government is now preparing an Anti-Bullying Act to define bullying as an offence and strengthen prevention and enforcement measures.
According to the President, the Attorney General's Office Maldives is working on the draft law with technical experts.
The proposed legislation is expected to cover bullying in schools and other educational institutions, including conduct involving students and staff. It will also address bullying in workplaces, healthcare facilities and other service settings.
The President said the bill would also contain provisions relating to online bullying.
In addition, he said the government plans to introduce policies for schools, establish reporting mechanisms and include bullying-related topics in the national curriculum.
Public awareness measures are also expected to form part of the proposed law.
