President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says his administration is working to compile an anti-bullying law to combat bullying and mitigate the consequences of such actions.
He said this while speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference today.
The President said that bullying did not start yesterday or today, and it is not unique to the Maldives. He said that it was a very bad habit that is linked to many things.
President Muizzu explained that the problem is among people of different ages, and the government is working to prevent such acts
The President said the current legal system has also facilitated action against bullying. Especially with the 6th amendment to the law, 2024, cyber violence is a crime, including cyber stalking, he said.
In addition, the President said that work on an anti-bullying law has already started to make bullying a criminal offence. He said the AG's office is working on the bill and will send it to parliament after completing all the stages of discussion.
The President said that the Act will clearly define what bullying is, its actions, and how it becomes a crime. He added that the Act will also clearly define the areas in which it applies.
President Muizzu noted that, in addition to the Anti-Bullying Act, the government has decided to formulate a special policy to prevent bullying in schools and educational institutions and a special system to take action against bullies.
It has also been decided to establish a central agency to report bullying cases and to establish systems to prevent bullying cases. At the same time, the President said, these issues will be included in the official curriculum of educational institutions to prevent bullying and insults.
