Nowadays, in the era of communication, coupled with the advancement of technology and the expansion of internet use, unfortunately we witness abuse in cyberspace. Cyber bullying is a well-known term for internet harassment. This phenomenon that is also known as online harassment, revenge porn, and online defamation is more prevalent in adolescents, especially in the school environment, and even more dangerous than the traditional one.
“Cyber bullying can include such acts as making threats, sending provocative insults, racial or ethnic slurs, gay bashing, attempting to infect the victim's computer with a virus and flooding an e-mail inbox with messages” (Rouse). Reviews have shown that “59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online” (Anderson). Handling cyber crime is very complex, and in most cases, there is no specific law to address this issue and to protect the victims of this phenomenon (Ullman). “Since the federal government has not passed a national piece of bullying prevention legislation, each state is responsible for writing and enacting its own” (Ullman). “Though no law exists at the federal level yet, over half of the states in the US have included language in their laws on bullying to include cyber bullying” (Cyber Bullying). Because cyber bullying harms victims, there should be serious and extensive rules for dealing with these issues. In fact, reduction of cyber crime and victim support maybe achieved through the amendment of state law, establishing prevention services, and creating a victim protection center.
In order to get a clear understanding of the spread of cyber crime, we need to look at the causes of this phenomenon. One of the most important reasons is easy and free access of all age groups to the internet. “The global reach of the internet provides the ability to anonymously torment and intimidate an individual with an alarming global reach” (Cyberbullying). Another major factor is lack of control and supervision of adolescents by adults. According to Green, “only 2 in 10 victims will inform their parents or teachers of online attacks” (7 Ways). Further, because cyber attackers can easily hide their identities, it makes tracking difficult while this, “encourages bullies to behave more aggressively than they might in a situation where they were identified” (Rouse). Finally, because of the freedom of speech on the internet, no specific law has been adopted to deal with this phenomenon. Lawmakers are working to find a balance between protecting victims while protecting the rights of juvenile expression (Fioriello). Overall, the evaluation of the factors affecting cyber bullying is crucial.
The first recommendation to deal with cyber bullying is to determine and amend federal laws. Specifically, statistics on internet crime and violence have increased, so the federal states should try to establish and enforce laws against internet harassment. According to Cornell and Limber, a large number of states have created and revised international crime laws (Do U.S). “For example, North Carolina legislators passed a law that criminalizes cyber bullying. Idaho created a crime of harassment, intimidation or bullying among students” (Do U.S). On the other hand, since most cyber crime harassment is commonly found in school, “state laws should protect all students from peer victimization, including harassment and bullying” (Do U.S). To this end, there should be a lot of coordination between school politics and federal law. As Cornell and Limber state, “school policies must conform to legal requirements set forth in state anti-bullying laws” (Do U.S). As recalled by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, these policies should include, "immediate intervention strategies for protecting the victim from additional bullying or retaliation, notification to parents of the victim or reported victim of bullying and the alleged perpetrator, and, if appropriate, notification to law enforcement officials" (qtd.in Cornell and Limber). In general, the creation and modification of cyber crime laws in line with school reform policies can be an important step in controlling online crime and protecting victims.
The second most important element in reducing internet crime is the use of preventive services. In this context, the role of parents can be very effective. Parents and lawmakers can find solutions to the problem by preventing and informing children (Cyber Bullying). According to Anderson, “nine-in-ten parents say they are at least somewhat confident they can teach their teen how to engage in appropriate online behavior, including 45% who say they are very confident in their ability to do so” (A Majority). In addition, parents can educate children about ways of cyber abuse, but at the same time, deal with them and avoid hostile actions as Anderson suggests. On the other hand, almost half of the states have preventive laws to combat cyber bullying, but unfortunately “only one-third of state laws guide districts to include in their policies the provision of counseling or other support services for bullied students, students who bully, or (in a few states) witnesses to bullying” (Cornell and Limber). It is therefore obvious that the role of parents is crucial for preventing further damage of cyber criminals.
The third crucial step is to create a center for protecting victims of cyber bullying. Specifically,"as with other forms of bullying, the target of cyber bullying may be in need of emotional support" (How to Support). The injured must feel safe so that they can deal with the damage they are sharing. "Key principles here include reassuring them that they have done the right thing by telling someone” (How to Support). On the other hand, one of the factors contributing to the increase in internet harassment is that usually the victim attempts to seek retaliation. Therefore, “it is essential to advise the young person being bullied not to retaliate in any way or reply angrily to any of the messages or emails” (How to Support). In addition to the feeling of safety, the victim needs a sense of support so the victim should be sure. Specially, if there is a need to respond, it should be done in an assertive manner, and with support. Generally, establishing a center for protecting victims of cyber bullying is essential for the resolution of cyber bullying issues.
In conclusion, in the world we live in today, due to easy access to the internet, the number of cyber bullying incidents has increased, and in this case, teenagers are more vulnerable than adults are. Considering that the impact of cyber bullying can be long lasting and irreparable, it requires a comprehensive partnership of federal, parental and school legislators. So far, actions have been taken in this area, and most federal authorities have adopted laws to address this problem, but, given the complexity of the process, the issue of treatment and protection of victims is not fully implemented. This is not something federal laws can solve on their own, but it undoubtedly requires full co-operation between laws on the one hand, parents and school on the other.
Works Cited
Research Center. Sep 27, 2018.
Cornell, Dewey and Susan Limber. “Do U.S. Laws Go Far Enough to Prevent Bullying at
School?” American Psychological Association. Vol 47, No. 2, Feb 2016,
“Cyber Bullying Legislation.” A Platform for Good. 2019.
“Cyberbullying and Online Harassment.” Minc. 2019.
Fioriello, Patricia. “Lack of Laws on Cyber Bullying Hurting Our Students.” Dr Pf
consults.2019.
Green, Paula.” 7 Ways to Prevent Cyberbullying.” Teach Thought Staff. Aug 20, 2017.
“How to Support Victims of Cyberbullying.” Reach Out. 2019.
Rouse, Margaret. “Cyberbullying.” Tech Target. Dec 2015.
Ullman, Ellen. “Laying Down the Law on Bullying and Cyberbullying.” Daily Tech News and
Innovation. Oct 1, 2018.
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