Legislating to recognise the acts of bullying, stalking and cyber-bullying and its effects on victims

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The petition of the undersigned citizens of Tasmania draws the attention of the House to the fact that: • Bullying now takes many forms. • Laws are inadequate and do not reflect developments in technology and social networking. • Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people in Australia. • The Criminal Code Act 1924 and Education Act 1994 require amendment to include bullying, and cyber-bullying to make these punishable acts. • Bullying is reported to cost the economy $36 billion per year. Your Petitioners therefore request that the House: • Acknowledge laws are insufficient to protect physical and mental safety. • Acknowledge the deaths of Chloe Ferguson and Charlotte Dawson and the public campaigns that ensued calling for bullying-specific laws. • Acknowledge many recent cases of suicide purportedly induced by bullying. • Recognise 1 in 4 Australian children report being bullied, but many instances go unreported, with research revealing perceived lack of adult interest as the reason. • Acknowledge data indicating an increase of 657% in youth self harm and suicide. • Amend the Criminal Code Act 1924 to include: o bullying as a criminal offence; o cyber-bullying as a criminal offence; o bullying or cyber-bullying resulting in psychological harm as a criminal offence; and o inciting suicide and self harm by bullying, cyber-bullying or stalking. • Amend the Education Act 1994 to include bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour punishable in accordance with the Act.