Voxpop: Legislation around cyberbullying

Will legislation reduce cyberbullying?

A survey has suggested that over a third of 11-17 year olds in Wales have suffered cyberbullying, resulting in a call for new legislation.

The survey by the Children and Young People’s Assembly for Wales asked 1000 young people in Wales whether they had suffered from cyberbullying and 37% of those said yes.

These results have prompted calls for new legislation. The managing director of BeatBullying, Anthony Smythe said: “I would like not only to see legislation around cyberbullying but I would like legislation on bullying and cyberbullying.”

A spokesperson for the Welsh government said: “Bullying of any kind is totally unacceptable and tackling cyber bullying is a central focus for 2013’s Anti Bullying Week in November.”

We asked the people of Cardiff their views.

How much do you think legislation on social networking sites could reduce cyberbullying?

Saylesh Patel, 32, sales manager, Barry

“I don’t think legislation would help at all. Some people get their kicks from not abiding by the rules, they will carry on bullying online for the thrill of it. Unfortunately, cyberbullying will exist for a long time despite legislation.”

Sara Davies, 21, waitress, Cardiff

“Legislation on social networking sites will clamp down on cyberbullying but I doubt it will stop. People will find ways around the law. Downloading music illegally is wrong but people still do it. Cyberbullying will be no different, people will still do it.”

Lewis Fackrell, 25, actor, Cardiff

“I believe legislation will help tackle cyberbullying. Laws are made for a reason and they should be respected. People will think again about making nasty or hurtful comments online if they know that it could land them in trouble with the law.”

Ali Macnulty, 19, marketing assistant, Cardiff

“Legislation would help a little but I think education on respecting your peers is more important. Cyberbullying is happening a lot amongst teenagers so they need to be taught in school that all kinds of bullying are not acceptable, even online.”

Philip Kingston, 26, civil servant, Neath

“Legislation would prevent cyberbullying to an extent but there’s always going to be bullying online no matter what, it’s never going to disappear completely even with laws in place. Sadly, we live in a world where slating people online is commonplace.”

Kayleigh Thomas, 22, claims handler, Cardiff

“Legislation would definitely reduce cyberbullying because it would make people think twice about what they post and the consequences of what they post. You wouldn’t go up to someone in the street and verbally abuse them so why do it online?”

BeatBullying, Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales, cyberbullying, Legislation for Cyberbullying