The Fight Against Cyberbullying

     By this point, I think it is safe to assume we all know what cyberbullying is. We have at least heard that word thrown around in the media. However, I'm sure most of us have experienced it ourselves. In those moments, you feel hopeless, like you're facing an invisible enemy. Those who afflict this bullying almost seem to not have any repercussions, and like they were exempt from consequence, only enabling cyberbullying to continue. So what can be done about this issue?

    In the article "Texas' New Cyberbullying Law | Cyberbullying 9/1/17" by Madeline Pricer Jones explains how Texas has now implemented laws that will create repercussions for cyberbullies in the state. The state has the offenses separated into two classes of misdemeanors. According to the article, there is a Class B misdemeanor which is an offense done to a victim over 18. This has a consequence of a fine up to $2,000 and jail time of up to 180 days. The article mentions that this becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the victim is under 18. The fine increase to up to $4,000 and jail time up to a year. 

    This could be a huge step in the right direction in fighting back against Cyberbullying. With a way to convict those who are cyberbullying others online, it may help reduce the incentive of someone to bully someone else online, knowing there are repercussions for such actions. It will still be very difficult to catch those who do bully others online, but this is something that I believe will be resolved by the every changing world of technology. As easily as technology can be used for malicious reasons, it can be used for good as well. 

    The difficult part is catching it though, and that will always reign as the largest opponent in the fight against cyberbullying. In stopbullying.gov 's "What is Cyberbullying", it is mentioned that cyberbullying is hard to notice, because it is not often overheard by adults, teachers, authorities, etc. The article states that most cyberbullying is done through social media. Which in turn means that once record of cyberbullying are put online, they are there forever. Though, if it is on these platforms. Adults may not be able to see it immediately or even before it is too late. 

    This is why we as individuals on the internet should always speak up against cyberbullying. We can't let people get away with hurting others, and we must support each other. Things will always be divisive, there will always be those who instigate arguments. That doesn't mean we still can't support each other and stand up against such acts like cyberbullying.