President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that his administration is drafting a dedicated Anti-Bullying Act that would formally criminalise bullying in the Maldives, marking a significant legal step to address harassment across schools, workplaces, and online spaces.
Speaking during a press briefing at the President’s Office as part of the administration’s regular media briefings, President Muizzu confirmed that work on the legislation is already underway.
He said bullying remains a growing global issue that has also impacted Maldivian society, underscoring the need for stronger legal safeguards to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
“To further prevent such actions, implement comprehensive preventive measures, and ensure more effective enforcement against perpetrators, the government has initiated work to introduce a dedicated Anti-Bullying Act that defines bullying as a legal offense,” President Muizzu said.
According to the President, the Attorney General’s Office is leading the drafting process in collaboration with technical experts. Once consultations are completed, the proposed bill will be submitted to the People’s Majlis for approval.
President Muizzu noted that while the Maldives introduced amendments to its Penal Code in 2024 to address online harassment and related offences, the new legislation is intended to go further by creating a clear legal framework specifically focused on bullying.
He said the law will provide a formal definition of bullying and clearly establish enforcement jurisdictions, with provisions expected to apply across schools, educational institutions, and professional workplaces.
The proposed legislation comes as governments worldwide face increasing pressure to tackle bullying, cyber harassment, and mental health concerns linked to abuse both online and offline. In the Maldives, the move signals a broader push to strengthen legal protections against harmful behaviour targeting vulnerable groups.
