It's to protect children – Petition calls for bullying to be a criminal offence after age 10
Courtney Lee's petition to criminalise bullying has gathered thousands of signatures as she campaigns for legal reform in memory of her daughter.
A mother's campaign for change
A heartbroken mother from Barnsley is pushing for bullying to become a criminal offence for anyone over 10 years old, following her 14-year-old daughter's tragic suicide after enduring months of relentless bullying.
Details of the petition and "Willow's Law"
Courtney Lee launched a petition urging the government to make repeated bullying a specific criminal offence starting at age 10. The proposed law, called "Willow's Law," would also legally compel schools to address bullying both inside and outside the classroom environment.
Willow's story
Willow, a former pupil at Barnsley Academy and autistic, suffered sustained physical and verbal bullying. Her mother says the system failed her despite efforts to get help.
"Despite the help we tried to get, [Willow] was failed by the system. Willow endured relentless bullying – she was constantly picked on and beaten up and she simply had enough. But she was such a kind and caring girl. I remember her giving her last bit of pocket money to a homeless man because she wanted to help."
Willow passed away in October 2024. Courtney Lee is now determined to prevent other families from going through similar heartbreak.
Summary
This petition highlights the urgent need for legal protection against bullying for children older than 10, aiming to hold offenders accountable and ensure schools take bullying seriously.
Author's note: The campaign for “Willow’s Law” underscores the vital importance of safeguarding children legally from bullying beyond a young age to prevent tragic outcomes.