Bullying Amongst Kids

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A 14-year-old from New York committed suicide recently after being bullied online for more than a year. Police have opened an investigation into the suicide to see if criminal charges should be filed. Some students may be charged with harassment, cyber-harassment or hate crimes. No bullying laws currently exist in New York State, so law enforcement would have to determine whether or not aggravated harassment charges would be applicable in this situation.

Photo: Pimkie

Even though this case is being investigated in New York, bullying and harassment are happening across the United States, even in Utah. No one is immune from being bullied, particularly those kids who express different or unusual opinions, especially when related to their sexuality. It seems as though a lot of people, kids and adults alike, think that a computer and an Internet connection give them the right to respond in any way they want, without regard as to how their comments may affect another person.

No one should have to submit to bullying, and certainly not to the extent that a teenager feels his only way out is to take his own life. The National Center for Education Statistics shows that 28% of students between the ages of 12-18 reported being bullied in school during the 2008-2009 school year.

Utah law prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, sexual battery and sexual exposure. No school employee or student may engage in bullying or harassing a school employee or student:

* on school property;
* at a school related or sponsored event;
* on a school bus;
* at a school bus stop; or
* while the school employee or student is traveling to or from one of the above locations or events.
* No school employee or student may engage in hazing or cyber-bullying a school employee or student at any time or in any location.

If your child is a victim of any type of bullying, you should contact the authorities and an attorney, not to mention possibly a counselor. On the other hand, if you are aware that your child is engaging in bullying, it would be prudent to do your best to get him or her to stop such destructive behavior. Keep in mind that you don’t have to agree with the choices someone makes. You do, however, have a responsibility to not disregard the law.