Cyberbullying: Why It Should Be a Criminal Offense

Cyberbullying: A Growing Concern in the Digital World

Cyberbullying's like this huge problem these days, isn't it? With everyone glued to their phones and social media, it's like folks are just waiting to be harassed online. This piece takes a closer look at how bad cyberbullying is for people who go through it and why maybe it oughta be a crime. We're diving into how it messes with your head and emotions, plus what the law says about it. It kinda seems like we need tougher rules to keep people safe from this kind of nastiness.

How Cyberbullying Affects Mental Health

You ever think about what cyberbullying does to someone's mind? It's rough. Studies show that those getting bullied online often end up with anxiety, depression, or feeling really bad about themselves (Smith et al., 2018). The internet makes bullies feel like they can do whatever because they're hiding behind screens. Making cyberbullying illegal could send out a strong vibe that this stuff isn't cool, making would-be bullies think twice.

The Emotional Rollercoaster Victims Face

Victims deal with a whole lot of emotional stress—like constant harassment can make them feel super alone or even ashamed. And yeah, sometimes it leads to some really dark thoughts (Hinduja & Patchin, 2015). If we start seeing cyberbullying as a crime, we're admitting just how serious the emotional damage is and giving victims a way to fight back legally.

Legal Matters: Why Current Laws Aren't Enough

Some places already have laws against cyberbullying, but honestly? They kinda miss the mark. If we made it a criminal thing everywhere, cops would have more power to actually do something about it. This wouldn't just help those who've been hurt but would also scare off potential bullies from doing harm in the first place.

Freedom of Speech vs. Harmful Actions

Now, some folks might say making cyberbullying illegal messes with free speech. But let's be real here—free speech doesn't mean you get to hurt or pick on others. Cyberbullying isn't just sharing an opinion; it's full-on attacks aimed at hurting someone deeply. By outlawing it, we're protecting folks from harm while still valuing freedom of speech.

Wrapping It All Up: Why Make Cyberbullying a Crime?

In the end, cyberbullying really should be seen as a crime because of how badly it hits people's mental and emotional health. By doing so, we acknowledge it's a big deal and create ways to protect folks from online bullying. Tougher rules won't just stop future bullies but will also help victims get justice. We've gotta address cyberbullying legally if we wanna make the digital world safer for everyone.

References

• Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J.W. (2015). Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying.
• Smith, P.K., Mahdavi, J., Carvalho, M., & Tippett, N. (2018). An Investigation into Cyberbullying.
• Kowalski, R.M., Giumetti, G.W., Schroeder, A.N., & Lattanner, M.R. (2014). Bullying in the Digital Age: A Critical Review.
• Patchin, J.W., & Hinduja, S. (2006). Bullies Move Beyond the Schoolyard: A Preliminary Look at Cyberbullying.
• Sourander, A., Klomek, A.B., Ikonen, M., Lindroos, J., Luntamo T., Koskelainen M., Ristkari T., Helenius H.. (2010). Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated With Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: A Population-Based Study.