Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act

Cyberbullying

Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act, HR 6123 defines cyberbullying as “using electronic means to support severe, repeated and hostile behavior.” Today youth spend more time texting, emailing, and on social media than interacting in person. It has become the way youth reach out to each other. They are communicating using electronic devices to email, text messages, and social media to hurt, embarrass, harass or intimidate other youth. This has become a way of life for perpetrators bullying and cyberbullying. As we move into the future this is only going to get worse and present more concern. If cyberbullying isn’t dealt with through the justice system it will continue to spread out of control.

In an effort to truly get control of cyberbullying it should become part of the United States criminal code. HR 6123 was introduced to impose criminal penalties on perpetrators of cyberbullying. Some of the findings stated in the bill are (1) “Youth who create internet content and use social networking site are likely to be targets of cyberbullying.” (2) “Electronic communications provide anonymity to the perpetrator and

However, it should always be considered a criminal matter when lives are being lost whether by suicide or emotional distress because of this “grave matter”. Bullying and cyberbullying should be illegal just as it is illegal to threaten someone by slander or libel. Cyberbullying should be a criminal offense such as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties should be in place according to the severity of the bullying. There should be fines, probation, and even prison or jail time. We must consider that cyberbullying is happening to the young children as well as the youth. Youth and children are dying because of this crime. Yes, crime it is the same as if someone actually murdered these young people and