I am petitioning the UK parliament to criminalise the act of bullying. Too many of our children are being victimised in academic settings and social media platforms. We send our children to a place of education with belief they will be protected but far too many are suffering in silence at the hands of their peers. Even when they do speak out it is often not addressed effectively. The onus is put on schools to provide a duty of care however teachers only have so much power. Shouldn't bullies or their parents be held responsible for their actions. Our young people are suffering with their mental health and taking their own lives. Families are torn apart with grief while the bullies get to live their lives without consequences. 

I started this petition because I read of the tragic death of a local schoolgirl Chantelle, age 13. A beautiful inspiring young person with the world at her feet to have it stolen away by anothers actions. My initial thoughts were for Chantelle and what thoughts were going through her mind, how her parents, family and friends have had their world destroyed and hearts torn apart. My mind took me back to my own experience as a young girl. It took me to my two daughters and granddaughters experiences. I remembered comments such as "it's not really bullying", "oh you're being too sensitive", "you need to toughen up" and the worst one "ignore them." The bullies were told to stop it and be nice, as if that was going to work.

No young person should have to go to bed worrying what the next day will bring and no parent should have to lose a child because of the actions of another. No matter how direct or indirect those actions are they have life changing consequences for the victim and their families. Until bullying is made a criminal act there are no real consequences for the bully.

If this was a work environment people are protected against bullying and harassment under the equality act 2010. Examples of bullying and harassment in a workplace includes spreading malicious rumours, picking on or regularly undermining someone and unfair treatment. The delivery of these actions can happen face to face, via social media and technology. Why should this not be the same for young people in schools and on social media platforms. There is no place in society for bullying in any context. We need to put an end to bullying and harassment.

Please sign and share this petition.

Give our young people a voice.