Amend laws to include bullying and cyber-bullying

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Joanne Piva
45 Burke Street
AYR QLD 4807
Total Signatures - 5,068
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 15/1/2016
Closing Date: 23/5/2016
Tabled Date: 24/5/2016
Responded By: Hon Yvette D'Ath MP on 23/6/2016
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the inadequacy of current anti-bullying laws. The laws are deficient and do not reflect technological development and social networking. The Criminal Code Act 1924 and Education Act 1994 require amendments to include bullying and cyber-bullying as actions punishable by law.

 

We draw your attention to the fact that there are seven deaths by suicide in Australia per day and 200 suicide attempts per day with an increase of 657% in youth self-harm and suicide. We also draw to your attention that suicide is the second highest killer in children aged between 10 and 17 years and is the number one killer of people aged between 15 and 44 years. It is recorded that one in every four children report being bullied with many instances going unreported.

 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to consider amending the Criminal Code Act 1924 to include the following offences; cyber bullying, bullying which results in psychological and self-harm; and inciting suicide. Your petitioners also request amendments to the Education Act 1994 to include bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour punishable in accordance with the Act. Such amendments to be known henceforth as Breannah's Law.