Quote From: danikat2Just wondering why there is no legislation on the books for cyber bullies. We certainly have it in place for someone who harrasses and threatens us in person. This, to me, is the same thing. A computer is easy enough to trace. Hold the harrassing person responsible; and if it's a child, hold the parents responsible, both legally and financially (court costs, etc).
But in the interim, I think we need to address the sad situation where children are so needy for approval of their peers that they will emotionally crumble (and possibly commit suicide) if they are 'rejected'. They are being set up for more manipulation by others. Self esteem does not come from the never ending praise-for-nothing that our society heaps on its children. Just the opposite. These children have learned to look outward for their self worth. They have nothing inside to draw upon. And that is very thin ice; setting them up for situation where an unkind word can bring their entire world toppling down. Without true self esteem, they will not be able to put their lives back on track after a minor to moderate bump in the road.
Granted, the teen years are full of drama, but without basic self esteem and coping skills, a rough patch can become untenable.
Adults engage in this kind of behaviour as well. Please do not minimize the damage that can be done to a person's self-esteem...even a well-balanced person...when he is the victim of a cyberbully. Being attacked so often that you don't want to open your email for fear of another bash, having people who used to be your on-line friends turn against you because of lies, being held up for ridicule (or worse) can eat away at the emotional well being of the strongest person.
There was a case of a neighbour who posted pictures and telephone number of a little girl on kiddie porn sites and escalated to posting her address and a statement that she wanted to get rid of her virginity, It turned out to be vengeance on the part of the neighbour who didn't want the child, who had written "hello" on his driveway in chalk, on his property. The child and her parents were traumatized by the attention they got as a result of his postings!
It doesn't matter how strong you are, if someone takes it upon himself to destroy your reputation...on line or otherwise...if it goes on long enough, it begins to hurt. For kids who are still searching for their identities and feeling their way towards knowing themselves, this can be devastating. Remember when you were 14 and things that you now know are minor and will blow over, were just the end of the world to you.
Not only should legislation be implemented to prosecute these bullies, websites that allow this kind of abuse (by ignoring or refusing to take action on reports of cyberassaults) should be held liable as well. Right now, many of these places are like the Old West...completely lawless, without consequences, and ruled by the rudest, most aggressive and offensive users. That has to stop!
