Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Make bullying a specific criminal offence

Closed 1,880 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government should make bullying a specific criminal offence. Young people can be bullied for many reasons - race, faith, level of ability. The scars are often unseen. The suffering that can result can be horrendous, and can even lead to suicide.
Bringing bullies to court will hopefully deter future instances.

We need to understand the psychology of the bully too in our efforts to save the lives of children and young people. If those who bully face legal process, there is a chance society can learn more about the mindset that can persecute another person.

Timeline

22 Feb 2022 Petition opened for signatures
22 Aug 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,880
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 22 Feb 2022
Closed 22 Aug 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.