Gov’t to Introduce Anti-Bullying Legislation Criminalising Offences

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to introduce anti-bullying legislation that will criminalise bullying as part of broader efforts to address the issue in Maldivian society.

Speaking during his weekly press briefing on Monday, the President described bullying as a long-standing and deeply rooted social concern involving a range of complex challenges. He stated that the government has begun work on a legal framework that will include preventive measures and stronger action against perpetrators.

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The proposed bill is currently in the drafting stage and will be submitted to Parliament following consultations. The President expressed confidence that the legislation would help provide meaningful solutions to the issue, noting that it will clearly define behaviours that constitute bullying and outline the scope of its application.

He said the law is expected to cover schools and other educational institutions, including both students and staff, as well as workplaces, healthcare facilities, and service environments involving both providers and users.

The proposed legislation will also include provisions to address cyberbullying and introduce targeted policies aimed at preventing bullying within schools.

The President emphasised that tackling bullying requires collective effort and called for cooperation across the community to effectively combat the issue.

Bullying remains a prevalent concern in the Maldives, particularly in schools and workplaces. Incidents in educational settings frequently come to light, with parents continuing to raise concerns over what they view as insufficient measures taken to address the problem.