Internet bullying laws

There have been many calls to enact and implement internet bullying laws. The reason for this is that cyber bullying incidents have drastically escalated. In Missouri, a 13-year-old girl was reported to have committed suicide after being intensively tormented online. Another teenager in Vermont killed himself because rumors that he was gay spread online.

Cases like this have pressured legislators in the country to enact Internet bullying laws which will prevent and put an end to cyber bullying. A number of States across the country have introduced legislation against internet bullying. These States include New York, Missouri, Rhode Island and Maryland. Missouri already has an Ordinance in effect which punishes online bullying as a misdemeanor. California has also passed Internet bullying laws which empowers school administrators to enforce disciplinary actions against students who engage in internet bullying. This will help prevent the spread of this practice by making it known that internet bullies are sure to face sanctions as a result of such wrongful acts.

Internet bullying is a relatively new type of offense. This serves as a challenge to legislators to enact new laws, particularly Internet bullying laws, and not just modify existing ones. There have been several proposals to render illegal the use of internet technology in the harassment and intimidation of individuals.