Libby Bell tragedy: New anti-bullying laws could be enacted in SA by next school year
NEW anti-bullying laws that would jail serious offenders could be in place in SA by the start of the 2018 school year. The move comes in the wake of the tragic death of Adelaide schoolgirl Libby Bell.
- Parents of victim Libby Bell back new law to put bullies behind bars
- Victorian victim’s family reach out for new law
- Mum’s tribute: Libby is too perfect for heaven
- Police push for tough anti-bullying laws
TOUGH new anti-bullying laws that would jail serious offenders for up to a decade could be in place in South Australia by the start of the 2018 school year.
The Australian Conservatives plan to introduce legislation into Parliament this month in a bid to crack down on bullies, in the wake of the tragic death of 13-year-old Adelaide schoolgirl Libby Bell.
The Seaford Secondary College student took her own life on August 28 after being subjected to what her family alleges was years of cyber bullying and physical abuse.
Australian Conservatives SA state leader Dennis Hood said the new legislation would be modelled on Victoria’s anti-bullying law Brodie’s Law, under which people who cause physical or mental harm to another person through bullying face up to 10 years in jail.
It was introduced in 2011 after 19-year-old Brodie Panlock ended her life in 2006 after falling victim to workplace bullying.
“For those recusant individuals that refuse to do the right thing there needs to be a firm punitive response and serious consequences for bullying,” Mr Hood told The Advertiser.
“The law will be very similar to Brodie’s Law but because the Victorian legislation uses a different act there will be some slight differences. However the penalty regime will be the same, up to 10 years in jail.
“Since Brodie’s Law was introduced in Victoria, almost 60 people have been charged with bullying, which is proof of its effectiveness.”
Mr Hood said he would introduce the SA legislation in parliament during the sitting week, later this month, and hoped it would be enacted by the start of the 2018 school year, if not sooner.
“According to a survey conducted by our Education Department involving 43,000 students across 500 schools, 14 per cent indicated they have experienced bullying on a weekly basis,” he said.
“This equates to 5000 students a week, which is clearly unacceptable.”
Mr Hood also said the Education Department “needs to insist schools get serious about this problem and run extensive programs on bullying”.
“It’s important to understand that this needs to be a holistic approach,” he said.
“While the legislation is important, it’s probably more important that the Education Department sets bullying as one of its highest priorities and commits to constantly educating students, parents and teachers about the prevalence of bullying and how to prevent it.”
As The Advertiser reported yesterday, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the State Government should consider strengthening legislation to make it easier to prosecute bullies.
Libby’s parents Crystal and Ryan, both 33, supported the push.
Ms Bell has also vowed to fight for justice for her daughter.
■ If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
To donate to the family go to www.gofundme.com/j3tc7-the-bell-family