P-06-1164 Make bullying and harassment in schools a criminal offence from the age of criminal responsibility

Petitions4

This petition was submitted by Alanna Louise Virk, having collected a total of 94 signatures.

Text of Petition:                    

Too many children are suffering in silence, self harming or commiting suicide. Encouraging children to be kind to each other is not working. Bullies do not face the consequences of their actions. Make bullying and harassment a criminal offence for children of the age of criminal responsibility (10 years+).

Additional Information:

More often than not it is the victims and their families that deal with the consequences of bullying, not the bullies. Many children commit suicide or have their lives destroyed, but bullies live the rest of their lives without facing any repercussions or consequences for their actions. Children will often not speak out because they feel powerless and believe that the bullying can't be stopped. If it was made law then children may feel more confident in speaking out against their bullies. Bullying and harassment in the workplace is protected under the Equality Act 2010. Why can't children have those same protections?

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 04/10/2021.

The Committee noted that legislation already exists when bullying or harassment constitute a criminal offence, and that the Welsh Government does not intend to legislate further on this issue. Members therefore agreed to thank the petitioner for raising the issue and close the petition.

In closing the petition, members wished to make the statement that bullying and harassment is not acceptable in Wales.

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 16/07/2021.

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Wrexham
• North Wales

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