Police Investigate Online Bullying Case Involving School Students as Maldives Drafts Anti-Bullying Law

The Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into a case where school students from an island under the Central Police jurisdiction allegedly bullied another child via the internet. In a statement shared with media outlets, police confirmed they are conducting the investigation in coordination with relevant authorities, though no further details of the case were disclosed. The incident comes amid a worrying rise in bullying cases across the country, with photos, writings, and retaliatory insults increasingly circulating on social media. In response, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government has decided to enact an Anti-Bullying law to criminalize bullying and impose penalties. The Attorney General's Office is currently working on drafting the legislation in consultation with technical experts and stakeholders. The proposed law will define bullying, outline measures and penalties for offenders, and specify responsibilities for educational centers and other institutions to raise awareness and take preventive action. It will also include sections aimed at stopping online bullying and developing policies to address bullying in schools, offices, and society at large.