Missouri has the dubious honor of being the state that changed how cyber bullying was viewed by the world. When Megan Meier committed suicide because of harassment on the Internet, many decided this would no longer be tolerated. Cyber bullying must be stopped.
In Honor of Megan Meier
Megan Meier made national news with her suicide. She was the target of a cruel Internet hoax perpetrated by a female, adult neighbor posing as a young boy interested in Megan. The impulsive young girl suffering from depression and ADHD hung herself because of things said to her on the Internet. Laws are now going into place to prosecute others that would do the same. Unfortunately, Missouri did not have any laws that would make this a crime at the time of Megan’s death.
Lori Drew, Internet Bully
Neighbor Lori Drew never saw it coming. She probably never dreamed that her hoax would cause a 13-year-old to commit suicide. But, it happened anyway. And now, Drew is in the national limelight in a humiliating role of an Internet bully.
On Nov. 26, Drew was convicted of three minor offenses. The 49-year-old Drew was convicted of lesser charges because the prosecutor could not convince the jury of intent. If she had been found guilty of more serious charges, she would be facing up to 20 years in prison. Instead, Drew is probably facing one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
First Internet Harassment Trial
Whether Drew was found guilty of serious charges or minor charges, she will be remembered as the mom that is responsible for a child’s suicide. Since there are few laws against Internet harassment, Drew was charged with conspiring to violate the fine print in MySpace’s agreement, which does not allow the use of phony names and any harassment of MySpace subscribers.
Since Missouri had no laws on the books against Drew’s actions, federal prosecutors in California claimed to have jurisdiction. MySpace is located in Beverly Hills. It was a stretch but it got partial results. Prosecutors made their point. If you are going to try and harass on the Internet, you will be prosecuted. After Megan’s suicide, Missouri did pass a law against cyber harassment. Other states are doing the same.
Source: eSchoolNews, "Cyber bullying case nets mixed verdict", Nov. 28, 2008
The Megan Meier Act
U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof introduced a bill that would have penalties for cyber bullying. Hulshof, who is running for governor of Missouri, hopes to prevent future Megan Meiers. Internet harassment is now illegal in Missouri. Hulshof says, "This bill establishes a fair legal standard. It sets needed limits for online conduct while protecting free speech." Hulshof co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-California. [eSchoolNews, "Federal lawmaker targets cyber bullying", May 27, 2008]
Harassment In The Limelight
After years of thinking little could be done about harassment in schools and in the workplace, action was taken. And, since harassment on the Internet is affecting school and workplace environments, action is being taken against cyber bullying. It is unfortunate that it takes several tragedies to take place before strong measures are taken.
Barbara Pytel - Email me Experience Although I was never particularly fond of going to school as an ELL student, I ironically became a teacher, ...
