Cyberbullying is now one of the most prevalent forms of bullying in the U.S. Many cases are, unfortunately, not reported, but cyberbullying can have an effect on a child’s life for years to come. As a parent, it can be frustrating and upsetting watching your child suffer from bullying at school but when they cannot even get away from it in the safety of their own home, it becomes an even bigger problem. If your child is being bullied over the internet or has been falsely accused of cyberbullying, here is what you should do next to protect their legal rights.
Royalty Free PhotoWhat is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is any kind of hatred that is spread over the internet, either directly to your child or about your child. It may be that your child is receiving threatening messages, getting abuse over social media or false rumors are being spread about your child. Over time, this can have a major negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Looking out for the common signs of cyberbullying means that you can address the situation immediately, as sometimes children are afraid to open up to their parents or have been threatened to not tell anyone. It may be that another person is using your child’s name and photographs to cyberbully others. This is in itself a form of harassment, as your child will be falsely accused of crimes they did not commit.
The Law
Each state has its own laws regarding cyberbullying and so it is best to check what your state laws are before moving forward. Most states now include harassment as not just physical but electronic. For more information on the laws in each state, check out this guided map of the U.S. states and cyberbullying laws.
School Laws
In some U.S. states, there are laws in place that allow the school to discipline any student found guilty of cyberbullying. This will be in a measured and appropriate manner, such as detentions or in severe cases, expulsion. Even cyberbullying that has occurred off campus can be dealt with within school if it has directly disrupted the learning environment.
Your Child’s Rights
Ongoing cyberbullying is a form of harassment and whether the school is addressing it or not, this doesn’t mean you and your child don’t have a right to take this further. If your child has been a victim of severe cyberbullying which has caused harm to their mental or physical wellbeing, you can involve the police. If your child is being falsely accused of cyberbullying and has had their account hacked or their information wrongfully used, attorney Patrick O’Keefe can help. They deal with wrongful allegations and you and your child have a right to seek professional advice if they have been wrongfully accused.
Cyberbullying is a big deal and there are now laws in place across the U.S. that see cyberbullying as a form of harassment. Understanding your child’s legal rights will ensure that you get the help you are entitled to, whether they are being wrongly accused or are a victim of cyberbullying themselves.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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