Laws on Cyber bullying – Megan Meier Case Study Review

Cyberbully is a term that refers to the victimization of kids through electronic devices and technology. The bullying goes to a situation whereby those involved in the bullying may hate each other. It may also inflict depression and emotions on teenagers. Most teenagers use web pages or text messages with intentions to harm other teenagers. The actions are repetitive, deliberate, intentional and hostile with will wishes and manners. Some teenagers may use hostile images to stalk and harm other teenagers. Megan Meier’s case is an illustration of cyberbullying.

In 2006, Megan Meir committed suicide after devastating cyberbullying and harassment. The thirteen-year-old student had an online relationship with Josh Evans through the MySpace, a popular social networking website. Megan suffered from clinical depression after a fake JOHN Evans texted her, “the world would be a better place without you.” As a result of this she committed suicide by hanging herself with a belt in the closet. Her death was learnt by her mother when she found her hanging.

Megan’s parents later knew that John Evans existed. They discovered that Lori Drew, who had impersonated as John Evans was their neighbor. She was a mother of Megan’s friend, and she wanted to know Megan’s opinion about her. However, her plan went beyond her intensions. The tragic death of Megan Meir is a sad one. Cyberbullying occurs in many contexts in the current world. 43% of teens are victims of cyberbullying according to the National Crime Presentation Council.

The American government come up with laws that could help in controlling cyberbullying. The laws came up as a result of Megan’s tragic incidence. The schools were the main focus on the teenager’s cyberbullying. It came up with harassment and bullying policies that would provide students with protection against cyberbullying. Some of the laws stated that it was unlawful for ajuvenile to possess explicit sexual materials or devices that have the same materials. Any minor in possession of the materials would be eligible for charges. Additionally the another law specified that any teenagers who found bullying or harassing other teenagers would not be an exception in facing the law or penalties associated with the degree of the wrong done.

Patchin S.W (2007) states that cyberbullying has an adverse impact on the success of teenagers schooling and future life. He proposes that the schools should include instructions on cyberbullying in the curricula to control the menace. He argues that self-low esteem would lead to degradation of performance of the teenagers.

In the Megan’s case, Lori Drewe would have been sentenced to five years on a single charge. She violated the cyber act U.S.C. 1028 (2) which states “whoeverduring and in relation to any felony violation enumerated in section 2332b (g) (5) (B) , knowingly , transfers, possesses, or , uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification document shall , in addition to the punishment provided for such felony, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 5 years”. Therefore, Megan’s case was a denied justice

In conclusion the cyberbullying measures should be followed strictly to ensure that technology has a positive impact on the teenagers. It will ensure that teenagers gain confidence that would drive them to fulfil their desires and goals in life. Itwould therefore enhance the future economy of the nation.

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