Bullying is nothing new. Unfortunately, it’s something that most kids come into contact with at one point or another during their school years. However, with the development of new technology, new dangers have emerged as bullies have begun using digital platforms to hide behind a wall of anonymity in what is now known as cyberbullying.
Missouri Legislation Seeks to Break Up Fights Online
Although it’s taken lawmakers some time to catch up with digital trends, concerns about cyberbullying aren’t being ignored. Across the country, lawmakers have been proposing legislation to enact or stiffen laws against this electronic form of harassment. After the death of Megan Meier, a teen from Dardenne Prairie, MO who took her life after an exchange of hostile messages on MySpace, Congress decided it was time to draft legislation aimed at cyberbullying.
In June 2008, Missouri governor, Matt Blunt, signed a bill updating state laws against harassment by removing the requirement that harassing communication be written or made over the telephone. Now, harassment from computers, text messages and other electronic devices may also be considered illegal.
Missouri legislation identifies cyberbullying in two ways:
Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet, email or other electronic communications to stalk, and generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors.
Cyberharassment: Cyberharassment differs from cyberstalking in that it is generally defined as not involving a credible threat. Cyberharassment usually pertains to threatening or harassing email messages, instant messages, blog entries or websites dedicated solely to tormenting an individual.
But now that Missouri has recognized cyberbullying on paper, what responsibility do teens, parents and schools have to obey the law?
- Teens – Cyberbullying is widespread throughout middle and high schools. Despite their immaturity, tweens and teens are ultimately just as responsible as an adult for upholding cyberbullying laws.
- Parents – Parents are responsible for teaching their children about cyberbullying and the real life consequences of making threats online.
- Educators – Legislation requires school districts to put the terms “cyberbullying” and “electronic communications” into their anti-bullying policies. Law also requires school boards to report harassment and stalking committed on school property to local police, including such done via the Internet.
From name calling to death threats, cyberbullying can quickly spin out of control for both parents and children. In such a stressful situation, it’s best to try to keep your emotions in check so you can carefully determine the best way to help your child.
In cases of cyberbullying, parents can seek action from school officials or parents of the bullies. If the authority figures fail to take action to correct the situation, it may be time to explore legal action.
If your child has been the victim of cyberbullying, call the Meehan Law Firm. We understand the emotional trauma that stems from cyberbullying, we are dedicated to bringing peace back into your home.
Sources:
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/telecom/cyberstalking-and-cyberharassment-laws.aspx
http://www.ibls.com/internet_law_news_portal_view.aspx?id=2095&s=latestnews
http://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2010/01/cyberbullying-suicide-shows-need-for-cyberbullying-laws.html
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/harassment.htm