Around the world
Eight countries below have anti-bullying frameworks in law. India has guidelines.
- 🇳🇴Norway2003 (revised 2017)Education Act §9AEvery child has a legal right to a safe school environment. Schools must act on any signal of bullying. The state can fine schools that fail.“A right, not a request.”
- 🇸🇪Sweden2006Discrimination Act + Education Act, Ch. 6Every school must publish an annual anti-bullying plan. The Schools Inspectorate audits compliance.“Bullying prevention is a published plan, not a posters-on-a-wall promise.”
- 🇯🇵Japan2013Act for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent BullyingPassed after a student's suicide. Mandates national policy + school-level prevention committees + investigation duty.“It took a tragedy. India should not wait for one.”
- 🇰🇷South Korea2004 (strengthened 2012, 2023)School Violence Prevention and Countermeasures ActSchool Violence Committees in every school. Findings can go on a bully's permanent school record — affecting university admissions.“Consequences with teeth.”
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom2006Education and Inspections Act 2006Head teachers have a statutory duty to prevent bullying — including bullying that happens off-premises and online.“Cyber is in scope. In India, it largely isn't.”
- 🇺🇸United States1999–2015All 50 states have anti-bullying statutes; federal civil-rights law overlays.State-level reporting, investigation, and discipline requirements. Federal action where bullying maps to protected-class harassment.“Fifty laws. We have none.”
- 🇦🇺Australia2011National Safe Schools Framework + state-level lawsMandatory frameworks every school must adopt. Some states criminalise serious cyberbullying.“A floor, not a suggestion.”
- 🇮🇳IndiaVariousCBSE circulars + UGC Anti-Ragging Regulations (colleges only) + NCPCR guidelinesAdvisory. Not binding on schools generally. Action depends on each school's willingness.“A guideline. A school can follow it. Or not. Most don't.”