Rational Outrage

The Greater Ramifications of Cyber-Bullying

Over the years, subtle forms of youth aggression, otherwise known as "bullying" have increased in young students on schools grounds, primarily in the middle school grades. Perhaps we have become more aggressive in general, or perhaps we have begun to recognize the tangible effects of bullying over the years. Either way, it has become a real problem both in real life, and online.

So much so, that at least one person has now been convicted of misdemeanors related to a cyber-bullying case. Megan Meier, a young girl with a history of depression had been bullied online, which resulted in her suicide. According to USA Today, the woman being held responsible is 49 year old Lori Drew, the mother of a Sarah Drew who was reportedly having problems with Megan Meier at school over rumors.

There are a few remarkable things about this case, most notably however, is a parent engaging in bullying, and encouraging her daughter and another young woman to bully their peers, even though the end result was foreseeable and devastating to the intended target.

As a parent, you are charged with the responsibility of setting a proper example, as well as holding your own child responsible for their actions towards others. Her involvement has set a dangerous example for youths that bullying is the proper, condoned way to resolve schoolyard issues.

Although the court ruled that Drew's actions were misdemeanors, and that this was not a case of "cyber-bullying" that could be prosecuted as such, the fact remains that an adult woman played part in activities that resulted in a young girl's death. As Megan Meier's mother points out, "Drew is an adult". When did the harassment and bullying of minors become the "cool" thing for parents to do?

To make matters even worse, Drew is now claiming to be a victim of harassment herself. While outright acts of violence towards another aren’t something to be excused, the situation is ironic at best, and sympathy for her plight is lacking. But the real question here is that of parental responsibility, societal conscientiousness, and keeping the welfare of a minor as a priority. When her daughter complained of rumors about her being spread, she should have gone to the school principle, not to a MySpace account. Thus the mother incited a situation that spiraled into a tragic story.

Drew's attorney states that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, to boot. According to an interview on The Today Show, he purports that now we are all in danger of prosecution should we so much as send an angry e mail.

Perhaps he is right, if that e mail is so vicious that it instigates the suicide of a person, particularly a minor. But much like a verbal argument in person, it's only a crime if the argument results in, or incites violence. Our angry words are still otherwise protected by the first amendment, with a few exceptions such as libel or slander, or words that specifically incite violence towards a person or group. There is a lesson to be learned here, but I'm afraid Mrs. Lori Drew has missed it.

Freedom of speech, and freedom of action comes with a great deal of responsibility, and if one is not willing to shoulder the burden or consequences of one's words or behaviors, it's best to refrain from speaking or acting in a manner that will not net desirable results. Particularly when it concerns children.

For resources on bullying, cyber bullying, and what you can do, please go to:
Cyberbullying.org
Cyberbullying.us
National Crime Prevention Council
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
National Youth Violence Prevention

More statistics, resources, and news sources concerning bullying:
Rassmussen report on bullying
The US Communications Decency Act of 1996
Cyber stalking and the law
LATimes

Anok Kropotkin is a freelance writer, socio-political observer, commentator, and rabble rouser. She has been published by Populist America, Alex Jones, and Ezine Articles. Currently, you can read more ramblings at Identity Check.