VILE online trolls who encourage others to seriously self-harm will face five years in jail under new plans.
Cops will crackdown on anyone hiding behind internet anonymity to encourage injury amounting to grievous bodily harm such as broken bones.
Changes that will be made to the Online Safety Bill will make it a crime regardless of whether the victims actually hurt themselves.
It will also apply when perpetrators don’t know the person they are targeting in a bid to end trolling which can lead to life-changing injuries.
The offence will also include encouraging someone to starve themselves or not take prescribed medication.
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Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, said: “There is no place in our society for those who set out to deliberately encourage the serious self-harm of others.
“Our new law will send a clear message to these cowardly trolls that their behaviour is not acceptable.
“Building on the existing measures in the Online Safety Bill our changes will make it easier to convict these vile individuals and make the internet a better and safer place for everyone.”
