We may view social media as an easily accessible way of communicating with friends, family and colleagues, but a darker side may come with communication: bullying.
Most people may think of bullying as a physical or verbal act in person, but with the power of the Internet, people are taking bullying online. Some examples of cyber bullying have resulted in the deaths of teenagers such as Amanda Todd, Tyler Long and Audrie Pott.
Additionally, the media has taken on multiple projects and productions to spread awareness to cyber bullying and its long-lasting effects on not only the individuals, but also friends, family and colleagues that have been positively impacted by the victim. In 2011, the ABC film "Cyberbully" was aired, which was produced to initially "digital drama." The film had shown graphic content such as vulgar online language, a suicidal attempt and emotional distress amongst all of the actors. The fact that the film gave everyone a perspective of how it feels for the victim and everyone around them goes to show that online bullying has been taken to an extreme level.
In response to cyber bullying, a law in Michigan went in effect earlier this month that punishes cyber bullies and the act being classified as a misdemeanor crime that could result in large fines and even jail time. More info can be found at the following article from WTOL
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/education/michigan-cyberbullying-law-goes-into-effect-wednesday/512-c360db41-f506-4a47-b790-6a739f409c2e
While creating and passing a law against cyberbullying could take some time, this could be something Illinois legislators can look into. Cyberbullying has caused many people to take their own lives, in addition to all of the emotional distress, sadness, anxiety, anger and hopelessness they may feel as it begins and persists. With that, cyberbullies can cost lives. It makes logical sense to heavily consider further punishments, so those individuals can get a better idea on how much their actions have cost them and the community.
Educational programs and fines should be implemented now, on top of proposing jail time and classifying cyberbullying as a misdemeanor crime by Illinois legislation. We would then feel not only more comfortable online, but we would also be more educated and informed on the troubling issue that took many young lives.
Most people may think of bullying as a physical or verbal act in person, but with the power of the Internet, people are taking bullying online. Some examples of cyber bullying have resulted in the deaths of teenagers such as Amanda Todd, Tyler Long and Audrie Pott.
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| Cyberbully (2011) Movie Poster - 3.4 million views on initial release date |
Additionally, the media has taken on multiple projects and productions to spread awareness to cyber bullying and its long-lasting effects on not only the individuals, but also friends, family and colleagues that have been positively impacted by the victim. In 2011, the ABC film "Cyberbully" was aired, which was produced to initially "digital drama." The film had shown graphic content such as vulgar online language, a suicidal attempt and emotional distress amongst all of the actors. The fact that the film gave everyone a perspective of how it feels for the victim and everyone around them goes to show that online bullying has been taken to an extreme level.
In response to cyber bullying, a law in Michigan went in effect earlier this month that punishes cyber bullies and the act being classified as a misdemeanor crime that could result in large fines and even jail time. More info can be found at the following article from WTOL
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/education/michigan-cyberbullying-law-goes-into-effect-wednesday/512-c360db41-f506-4a47-b790-6a739f409c2e
While creating and passing a law against cyberbullying could take some time, this could be something Illinois legislators can look into. Cyberbullying has caused many people to take their own lives, in addition to all of the emotional distress, sadness, anxiety, anger and hopelessness they may feel as it begins and persists. With that, cyberbullies can cost lives. It makes logical sense to heavily consider further punishments, so those individuals can get a better idea on how much their actions have cost them and the community.
Educational programs and fines should be implemented now, on top of proposing jail time and classifying cyberbullying as a misdemeanor crime by Illinois legislation. We would then feel not only more comfortable online, but we would also be more educated and informed on the troubling issue that took many young lives.
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