Cyberbullying Ends in Tragedy
Suicide in Missouri Brings Attention to Electronic Bullying
Dec 4, 2007
The tragic story of 13-year-old Megan Meier has brought world-wide attention to the growing problem of electronic bullying.
Cyberbullying is the use of electronic information and communication technologies, to willfully and intentionally embarrass, intimidate, humiliate, threaten, or harass another or others.
In 2006, Megan, a victim of a cruel MySpace hoax, committed suicide just days before her 14th birthday. Those allegedly involved, including a mother known to Megan, will not be criminally charged.
Since Megan’s death, city officials from her small Missouri town, unanimously passed an ordinance making online harassment a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Other area towns are also considering similar legislation.
While some believe electronic bullying is not a problem, studies suggest otherwise.
In 2006, the National Crime Prevention Council commissioned a survey by Harris Interactive, Inc. to explore cyberbullying among students in the United States. Highlights include:
- 43% of students are bullied electronically
- 92% are bullied by someone known to them
- Only 10% of those targeted tell parents
Results from a 2006 national survey conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project state:
- 32% of teenagers are bullied electronically
- 38% of girls are cyberbullied compared to 26% of boys
- 39% of children who use social networking sites are bullied online
The 2006 The Fight Crime: Invest in Kids survey reports one-third of all teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, are cyberbullied. One in six children between the ages of six and eleven, are bullied online. Other key findings include:
- 10% of teenagers and 4% of younger children are threatened online with physical harm
- 45% of younger children receive harmful messages at school
- 30% of older children receive the harmful messages at school
- Majority of victims know the bully
- Only 30% of older children tell parents
The effects of cyberbullying can be long-lasting and have serious consequences, as is evident in the Megan Meier case. Unfortunately, Megan’s case is not unique. Other suicides have been attributed to electronic bullying.
Several Suggestions for Parents:
- It is important to discuss cyberbullying issues with children in an open and honest fashion
- Studies suggest children are reluctant to tell adults if they have been cyberbullied
- Insist schools have a zero-tolerance policy for all methods of bullying, whether the bullying occurs online or off
- Insist schools have an anti-cyberbullying policy in place. Does yours?
- Contact legislators and governing bodies requesting the enactment of cyberbullying laws
Often times, it takes a tragedy to bring much needed awareness and change to an ever-growing problem or societal issue.
For more information regarding electronic bullying, read What is Cyberbullying and Cyberbullying-The Warning Signs.
Sources
The Pew Internet Project
National Crime Prevention Council
InternetSafetyAdvisor
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