Maldives Seeking Foreign Expertise to Draft Anti‑Bullying Legislation

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government is actively seeking external expertise to shape a comprehensive Anti‑Bullying Act aimed at criminalising bullying across the archipelago. 

The President, in May had revealed that the Attorney General’s Office is already drafting the legislation, with input from anti‑bullying professionals, civil‑society groups, educators and health‑care providers.

The announcement came during the fifth episode of the government‑backed Pulse podcast series, where President Muizzu stressed that the administration is pursuing “strong legal measures” to curb a problem that has increasingly affected students, workers and online communities. 

“We are consulting experts and stakeholders to ensure the law is both effective and enforceable,” he said. 

“Community assistance is needed to address bullying issues. The government is working to establish environmental health programmes and provide psychological assistance.”

Beyond punitive measures, the President highlighted a broader strategy that intertwines legal reform with mental‑health support. He noted that the National Mental Health Helpline has been operating to make treatment more reliable, while the Aasandha health‑insurance scheme has already eased the financial burden for those seeking care for mental‑illnesses linked to bullying. 

In response to growing demand, the government is expanding mental‑health services in existing hospitals and constructing a dedicated mental‑health facility slated for completion in 2027.

President Muizzu also emphasised that the forthcoming Anti‑Bullying Act will not only prescribe penalties but will embed preventive education into the national curriculum. 

“The Bill will include detailed information on bullying in the official school curriculum, ensuring that children learn respect and empathy from an early age,” he explained. 

A central reporting system will be established to collect data on bullying incidents, enabling authorities to monitor trends and intervene promptly.

The administration’s holistic approach aims to support both victims and perpetrators. Psychological support programmes will be offered to bullies to address underlying behavioural issues, while victims will receive counselling and rehabilitation services. 

“We believe the Anti‑Bullying Act will provide a major solution to the problem of bullying,” President Muizzu asserted, adding that early indications from pilot programmes in select schools have shown a decline in reported cases when legal awareness is paired with mental‑health outreach.

As the draft legislation moves through review, the President called on NGOs, parents, teachers and youth leaders to collaborate with the government.