Many countries have taken significant steps to combat bullying, reflecting a global commitment to protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring their wellbeing. — 123rf
THERE are at least eight countries around the world that have long implemented anti-bullying laws for over a decade to create safer environments in schools, workplaces and online platforms.
While these laws vary in scope and detail, they generally aim to prevent and address bullying through policies, reporting mechanisms and support systems.
Notable examples include the United States, Canada, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and China. Each of these countries has taken significant steps to combat bullying, reflecting a global commitment to protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring their wellbeing.
> United States: In the US, anti-bullying laws are enacted at the state level, with all 50 states having specific legislation to address bullying in schools. These laws vary in scope and detail but generally require schools to implement anti-bullying policies, report incidents, and provide support for victims. The first state to pass such a law was Georgia in 1999, and Montana was the last in 2015. Federal initiatives, such as the StopBullying.gov website, provide additional resources and guidance to complement state laws.
> Canada: Anti-bullying legislation in Canada is primarily handled at the provincial level. For example, Quebec's Bill 56 mandates schools to develop anti-bullying plans and report incidents. Ontario's Accepting Schools Act requires schools to prevent and address bullying, including cyberbullying. The federal government has also discussed a national strategy to combat bullying, reflecting the country's commitment to creating safe educational environments.
> Philippines: The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10627) in the Philippines requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying. This includes traditional bullying, cyberbullying and other forms of harassment. Schools must establish clear procedures for reporting and responding to bullying incidents, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students.
> United Kingdom: In the UK, the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003 address cyberbullying by making it illegal to send offensive, indecent, or threatening messages. Schools are also required to have anti-bullying policies under the Education and Inspections Act 2006. These laws aim to protect individuals from harassment and ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment.
> France: France has comprehensive laws against workplace bullying, known as "moral harassment," under the Labour Code. These laws require employers to take measures to prevent bullying and protect employees' mental health. Additionally, the French Penal Code criminalises harassment, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. These regulations are part of broader European Union directives aimed at ensuring safe and respectful workplaces.
> Sweden: Sweden's Work Environment Act includes provisions to prevent workplace bullying, known as "victimisation." Employers are required to take proactive steps to create a safe work environment and address any incidents of bullying. The Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health provides guidelines to help employers comply with these regulations, ensuring that employees are protected from harassment.
> Netherlands: In the Netherlands, the Working Conditions Act mandates employers to prevent and address workplace bullying. This includes implementing policies to create a safe work environment and providing support for victims. The Dutch Labour Inspectorate oversees compliance with these regulations, ensuring that employers take their responsibilities seriously to protect employees from bullying.
> China: China has implemented strict anti-bullying laws, particularly targeting cyberbullying. The Cybersecurity Law requires real-name registration for online accounts, making it easier to trace and hold individuals accountable for cyberbullying. Schools are also encouraged to adopt anti-bullying policies and provide education on the harmful effects of bullying. These measures aim to create a safer online and offline environment for students.
