Anti-bullying legislation to be drafted to criminalize and prevent bullying
In response to the rising prevalence of bullying in the Maldives, the government has initiated the drafting of a specialized "Anti-Bullying" law. President Muizzu announced that this legislation will criminalize bullying and establish a robust framework to address such behavior across online platforms, schools, and workplaces. As the Attorney General’s Office works on finalizing the bill, the President emphasized that this is a critical step toward eradicating this harmful practice from society.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks during a press conference held on Monday. | President's Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the government's decision to draft an anti-bullying law, officially criminalizing the act in an effort to curb its prevalence.
During a press conference held on Monday, President Muizzu stated that bullying has become a significant issue that is deeply rooted within Maldivian society. He further noted that the matter encompasses a wide range of complex underlying problems.
President Muizzu stated that the government is working at a high level to address this issue, which affects everyone from infants to adults.
In this regard, President Muizzu stated that the current legal framework already allows for measures to be taken against bullying. He further noted that the government has now commenced efforts to introduce a dedicated anti-bullying law to strengthen enforcement and accountability.
President Muizzu stated that the enactment of this law will provide significant relief in addressing the issue. He noted that the legislation will clearly define the acts that constitute bullying, how such incidents occur, and establish a precise legal framework for categorizing these actions as criminal offenses.
This refers to the sixth amendment to the Maldives Penal Code. Under this amendment, introduced by the current administration on December 17, 2024, acts of cyber violence have been criminalized. This includes acts of cyberstalking. Furthermore, the process of police investigating such offenses and submitting cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution is already underway. To further curb such activities through the legal system and to strengthen preventive measures and enforcement against perpetrators, the government has commenced work on introducing a specialized Anti-Bullying Act to formally criminalize bullying. The Attorney General’s Office is currently drafting this legislation in consultation with relevant technical experts. Once the drafting and consultation processes are complete, the Anti-Bullying Bill will be submitted to the People’s Majlis.President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
Furthermore, President Muizzu stated that the bill will include detailed provisions to prevent cyberbullying, alongside the formulation of specific policies to address bullying within schools, workplaces, and the broader community.
President Muizzu stated that a comprehensive and holistic solution must be sought to address the issue of bullying, emphasizing that the government requires the full cooperation of all stakeholders. He further noted that every Maldivian citizen shares a responsibility in resolving this issue, asserting that tangible results can be achieved through unity and a collective spirit.
