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Q. Congress is considering a federal law that makes "cyberbullying" a crime. What do you think? Is online bullying a problem?
Molly Yandle, 15, Providence Day School, Charlotte: Online bullying is a critical problem. It is primarily affecting teenagers; it is even causing some teens to commit suicide. Teenagers are more susceptible to pressure and are quick to judge themselves and others. Online bullying seems to be the final straw for a lot of teens. People tend to be much crueler when they are not interacting face-to-face with others. A law must be enforced to prevent such occurrences.
Nicole Lindholm, 14, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: Although I am against cyberbullying, I think if a law were passed to outlaw it, it would be hard to enforce. Bullying is a serious problem because it hurts the victim emotionally. I have never been harassed online or seen it happen to one of my friends. But if I did, I would tell an adult. Making a law against cyberbullying will not always stop someone from doing it because it would be difficult to catch and charge them.
Elliot Jackson, 13, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: Cyberbullying is very dangerous. The effects are serious because it can dehumanize someone. I have ridiculed someone online, unaware it was as serious as it is. I later apologized. Accounts should be removed if someone is cyberbullying. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter should be checked for cyberbullying. It is dangerous. Don't be a victim.
Miriam Smallman, 15, American Hebrew Academy, Greensboro: Bullying online is definitely a problem. How can we all forget the Megan Meier case a couple of years ago? She committed suicide that was ruled as caused by cyberbullying on MySpace. The old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is not true at all. Words can hurt. The effects on young people are certainly serious, and not at all overblown.
