We continue our conversation with Sameer Hinduja, co-founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center and noted expert in the field. Today we’re going to be talking about legal avenues to stop cyberbullying, and what role the federal government should play.

What legal means does a parent have to stop cyberbullying? In what cases, or at what point, should parents consider these legal options?

Legal remedies exist in cyberbullying cases where the victim can seek monetary damages from the offender and offender’s parents or a formal injunction against the harmful behavior. What is interesting is that often the simple initiation of legal action against an aggressor is enough to quell the malicious behavior immediately and permanently. Of course, continuing on to trial can be a significant financial burden to the defendant-so most individuals would seek to avoid such an outcome. Those inclined to pursue legal action should obtain legal counsel for more information as it relates to their situation.

What is the role of government, either at a state or federal level, in regulating and stopping cyberbullying?

A few pieces of federal legislation are currently being floated that attempt to address the cyberbullying problem. Some have a punitive component that seeks to ratchet up the penalties for offenders. I don’t believe this is wise because it will unnecessarily bring certain youth into the criminal justice system who should not be there, and because laws do not tend to have much of a deterrent effect on certain misbehaviors (such as online harassment). Other legislation allocates funds and provides resources for extensive formal and informal education so that youth can learn what to do and what not to do while interacting in cyberspace. I am a big fan of this strategy, because education will produce the sea change we need in the way that adolescents conceive of, and participate in, Internet-based communications.

Stop by tomorrow for information on the formation of the Cyberbullying Research Center and a new book that can help parents deal with the problem.

Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is the co-founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center, an information clearinghouse on the topic including a blog, research, presentations, and downloadable publications.

Filed under: Internet Safety News