However recent steps by the Tasmanian Government to criminalise cyber bullying should not be the only way to tackle the issue, according to children’s violence support group the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

“Cyber bullying has certainly emerged as a significant issue since the Foundation was formed 22 years ago. Recent reports estimate that about 20 per cent of students – or one in five - aged between 8-17 years have experienced cyberbullying over the last 12 months,” foundation advocacy manager Stephen Bendle said.

Attorney-General Elise Archer announced the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code on December 9, which would see changes made to criminalise cyber bullying under the stalking section of the code.

The draft amendments draws on recommendations from the Tasmania Law Reform Institute and proposes the current offence of stalking be amended to capture serious bullying behaviours.

“Bullying has lasting effects on individuals and their families and can result in tragic personal consequences for victims such as long-term mental health impacts, psychological damage and self harm,” Ms Archer said.

“This proposed legislation criminalises certain, serious bullying behaviour such as those who use the internet with the intention to cause serious, physical or mental harm to others.”

Mr Bendle said the foundation offered support for schools on how to reduce bullying in all its forms, but said the response had to be holistic.

“Ongoing education is the key to reducing risk and bullying behaviours and the foundation works closely with Tasmanian schools to implement eSmart, a comprehensive cyber safety framework based on positive behaviour change,” he said.

“We are also providing our digital licence to all year 6 students, in partnership with Aurora Energy, to raise skills, knowledge and understanding by students to reduce and report cyberbullying.”

Research showed at least 25 per cent of students experience bullying at some point during their school years.

“With the increase of cyber bullying, the community needs to come together to address the issue,” he said.

Mr Bendle said while the foundation had not had a chance to look in depth at the cyber bullying legislation, there was a potential the amendments could act as a deterrent for potential bullies.

“However, the Foundation has a strong position against the criminalisation of children,” he said.

“There are many steps that can be taken to prevent and manage bullying before resorting to the criminal code. That should be the focus of our efforts.”

Ms Archer said the proposed legislation criminalises certain, serious bullying behaviour, such as those who used the internet with the intention to cause serious, physical or mental harm to others.

“The Hodgman Majority Liberal Government is confident this Bill will send a clear message that serious bullying behaviour, including cyberbullying, is not only unacceptable, it is a criminal act,” she said.

The government is also investing $3 million over four years to combat bullying and cyber bullying in all Tasmanian Government schools.

Since 2014, the government has also employed more than 63 support staff to provide more social and emotional support where needed.

The draft Bill will be available for public consultation via the Justice Department website.

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