DEBATE: Should bullying be against the law?

It’s important to know that while the incident involving Brodie Panlock was terrible, not all the times you are upset at work are necessarily bullying.

This article from The Australian newspaper provides some arguments for and against introducing a specific bullying law for Victoria.

Your turn

Make a list of reasons why/why not bullying should be outlawed.

Debate the topic:

States must change the law to make bullying a crime punishable by a jail term.

One team takes the affirmative, and the other the negative.

Some points to consider:

• Do current laws already cover bullying?
• How would a change to the law help victims?
• How would the new law act as a deterrent?
• Would it send a message to bullies or employers?

Resources

Media release from the Victorian Government about the new legislation

The bullying legislation

The Australian newspaper article

Links

Workplace bullying fact sheet

IN THE NEWS: Tragic end for teen bullied at work