Bullying to become a crime in Australia

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I doubt it will work too. There are already schools in America where victims of bullying are suspended "for bullying" because they fought back (and the real bullies who were tormenting them knew the exact moment to do it so the teacher wouldn't see.

This ho hum response seems uniform with other forum groups

I dont know why, as those who have BEEN TORMENTED can now seek recourse action

All that is required is evidence of abuse

The reason that at least I'm not overjoyed about this, is that every time I've seen a place that does anti-bullying rules that are strict, the bullies manipulate things to get their victims in trouble "for bullying". I'm not bothered that real bullying victims may (and that's may) get some recourse, I'm bothered that bullying victims could get convicted by manipulative bullies.

It often happens that victims lash out and become the bad guy.

However, instead of getting to a frustrated position and melting down, action against the bully could have been implemented at an earlier stage and lash outs would be less in a bully free environment. instead of no one believing you or saying 'just fight back', you are now helping society by reporting a bully...

But what I'm saying... even if someone doesn't fight back... bullies often report victims as bullying them. Including in the legal system. Already. Without an anti-bullying law. It's a common tactic that they have a lot of fun with, regardless of their targets' behavior. And then it becomes a "he said she said" sort of situation and nobody knows who to believe.

I have no idea how an anti-bullying law would have helped me in school. Whenever I was bullied it came down to "its your word against theirs," and if I ever fought back, I somehow managed to get into trouble no matter what.

The bullying situation is out of control over here especially in the work place, so it's a good thing these laws have been enforced. I don't know why people are so quick to say it won't work. Many policies in government don't work. Hopefully this is the one law all members of government can agree on.

Now all we need is some stricter laws on alcohol violence.

I am not saying it won't work, but there are certain attitudes that make it difficult to enforce anti-bullying measures, and anbuend is correct on how bullies operate to shift blame.

But all you need is a mobile phone that records, or a quick on dictation thingy, they cost less than $20. You turn it on and keep winding up the bully till you get enough evidence of the hate speech....

Text or email is even easier.

Proof who is the real bully seems evident to me if evidence is gathered before the complaint is laid to police

But I understand the wariness in safely implementing anti bully legislation. Its an extension to existing stalking laws.

The penalty for crying wolf and lying to the cops will be your record of falsely accusing, which carries penalties in some jurisdictions.

Thank you for posting that point as well.

Bullies are masters at manipulating the system to their benefit. Every bully I've dealt with was a pro at twisting the circumstances to exploit the rules in their favor.

Here in Massachusetts, USA, they made bullying in schools a crime last year. After Phoebe Prince committed suicide (and an uptick in cyber-bullying), they created this law. Bullying needs to be considered a crime everywhere. It destroys self-esteem and leaves lasting scars.

Lets send a strong message out to lawmakers. Times are a changing.

I believe rights of those with disability will increase, especially as health decreases in the west, and people being born will have a greater chance of disability