Bullying Reports In Maltese Schools Have Nearly Tripled Since 2012

The number of bullying cases reported to Malta's Anti-Bullying Service reached 627 in 2025, the highest annual figure recorded since 2012.

The statistics were revealed in Parliament following a question by MP Romilda Zarb to Minister Byron Camilleri, requesting an annual breakdown of bullying reports in Maltese schools.

According to the figures, reports have increased significantly over the past 14 years, rising from 223 cases in 2012 to 627 in 2025.

This represents an increase of approximately 181%.

The figures show that reported cases increased steadily between 2012 and 2018, reaching 566 before dropping to 527 in 2019.

A particularly sharp decline was recorded in 2020, when just 247 cases were reported, followed by 366 in 2021.

However, numbers began climbing again, with 501 reports in 2022, 499 in 2023 and 531 in 2024, before reaching a new high in 2025.

But does an increase in bullying reports necessarily mean bullying itself is becoming more common?

Not necessarily.

The rise could also reflect greater awareness about bullying, improved access to dedicated support services and more education encouraging students to speak up rather than suffer in silence.

With schools and organisations increasingly promoting anti-bullying initiatives, higher reporting figures could partly be a positive sign that more students feel comfortable coming forward and seeking help.

However, the statistics alone cannot confirm whether bullying incidents are increasing or whether more cases are simply being reported.

The Ministry also clarified that these figures only reflect reports received by the Anti-Bullying Service. Other incidents may have been handled internally by schools or reported directly to the police.

Another important distinction is that since 2022, Church schools have operated their own reporting services, meaning the latest figures cover State and independent schools, unlike earlier years.

Do you think students in Malta are becoming more comfortable speaking up about bullying?

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