Free Critical Thinking On Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying refers to the communication through electronic means intended to harass, intimidate or distress a person emotionally. It is an intentional and unsociable behavior by an individual or a group of individuals to harm others. On the other hand, cyberstalking refers to the harassment of another person through electronic means, but in an unsolicited fashion. The major difference between cyberbullying and cyberstalking is that in cyberstalking, the identity of the stalker is not available in most of the cases. Another difference is that in cyberbullying, while there is a fear of committing suicide by the sufferer, cyberstalking causes severe threat of physical harm. Furthermore, in the case of cyberbullying, both the victim and the culprit are underage whereas cyberstalking refers to the involvement of adults .
I feel that cyberbullying is not a crime, but when it results in serious consequences, it transforms into a crime. In most of the cases, it involves the death of various people as the individuals engaged in cyberbullying have no mercy for their targets. Spreading false rumours about somebody through electronic means affects the reputation of the individual, which is a crime. Moreover, if cyberbullying involves any physical attacks, it is definitely a crime.
Cyberbullying should definitely pursue legal attention and the government should introduce various laws, which ensure cyber safety. It is the responsibility of the courts to punish the individuals who involve in such acts as it would help others to be careful and not trouble others. The government should also launch compulsory education about cyber safety in schools so that people are aware about the consequences from a very early age. Pursuance of cyberbullying in the court would result in the issuance of restraining order, which has the power to restrict an individual from contacting another person or set up limitations on the contacts . Moreover, violation of such order would lead to jail.

Works Cited

Jacobs, J. T. (2014, Feb 21). Legal Options For Student Victims Of Online Bullying. Retrieved Apr 16, 2015, from The Law: http://thelaw.tv/news/2014/02/21/legal-options-for-student-victims-of-online-bullying/
McDonald, G. (2014). Business Ethics. Cambridge University Press.