Police seize 22 school confession pages amid rise in cyberbullying among students

As the issue of cyberbullying on school-run confession pages escalates, Maldives Police have taken control of 22 such Instagram accounts targeting students and teachers with vulgar and offensive content.

According to the Maldives Police Service, these confession pages, linked to schools in Malé, were found posting highly inappropriate and psychologically harmful messages. The posts often mocked students and teachers, spread false claims, and amounted to online harassment.

The police said the Cyber Crime Center, in collaboration with the Family and Child Protection Department, is actively investigating 20 more confession pages and has launched special operations to curb the growing trend of cyberbullying among students.

“This is a rising issue. Many students have already been harmed,” police stated. They noted that these pages are often run publicly by students who hide their identities while targeting others.

The authorities confirmed they have posted public notices on some of the seized accounts, warning that legal action will be taken against those responsible under Maldivian law.

The police also urged members of the public to report cases of students who have been victimized on these platforms to the Cyber Crime Center, as part of efforts to ensure the safety and mental well-being of school communities.