Resolved: Cyberbullying should be a criminal offence.

Pro Argument I will be debating for the pro side of the resolution "Resolved: Cyber bullying should be considered a criminal offense." In 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death in young people from ages 15 to 24. Many of these suicides are committed because of the results of constant bullying. As a result of this, many states have issued laws against bullying. The question that I am debating today is whether cyber bullying should be considered a criminal offense. The answer to that is definitely yes. While the new laws are a step closer to closing down on bullying, nothing will be achieved if cyber bullying isn't a criminal offense as well. My partner and I feel that, with good reason, this is a necessity The definitions that I will provide are as follows (provided by the National Crime Prevention Council) Cyber bullying: "[W]illful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices digitally.. Contention One- Cyber bullying is just another form of bullying, so it should be included in the state laws against bullying. Subpoint A Cyber bullying is no different from normal bullying other than using a different medium. The definition of bullying is a form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims. Cyber bullying does the same thing. The use of an electronic is simply a medium and doesn't lessen the damage done. If bullying is a criminal offense, bullying using a specific medium should be a criminal offense as well. Contention Two- By making cyber bullying a criminal offense, we can reduce the amount of cyber bullying occurring. Subpoint A By making cyber bullying a criminal offense, we can cut down on cyber bullying and achieve a safer environment for the previous victims We can all agree that cyber bullying is bad. It deteriorates the victim's self-esteem and may even lead to depression. We can all agree that the world would be a better place without cyber bullying. By making cyber bullying a criminal offense, we can greatly reduce the amount of cyber bullying occurring. A few months ago in Philadelphia, a man named Scott Arnold saw what anti-bullying laws could do. His daughter, who was a victim of a bully, had four children apologize to her for not helping sooner. The bullying had stopped. The same will happen for cyber bullying if cyber bullying is made a criminal offense. Fewer people would be tempted to bully online if it was against the law. Contention Three Cyber bullying is often worse than normal bullying on many counts. Subpoint A Cyber bullying causes more damage than normal bullying. Cyber bullying can cause even more damage than normal bullying. When cyber bullying is involved, there are no telltale signs of a cut on the cheek or a black eye. Many parents have even no idea that their child is being bullied. In addition to the lack of evidence, insults through the Internet can move faster and to more places than normal bullying. Something posted on Facebook can be read by all 500 of the victim's friends. Also, in some cases a victim cannot delete something posted online so the insult lasts longer than a verbal insult. Conclusion The current condition of the cyber bullying laws is unacceptable. Cyber bullying should have the same, if not more weight as normal bullying and definitely should be made a criminal offense. The results of cyber bullying are worse than normal bullying. Many cyber bullies and potential victims are unaware of the consequences of cyber bullying. We must make cyber bullying a criminal offense. This will cut down on the amount of cyber bullying occurring. The benefit that this could bring, I'm sure we all agree on. As I conclude, I leave you with this thought: would the parents of a cyber bullying victim be consoled if they new that the bully wasn't punished simply because the bullying was online? I think not. These are my sites and references: http://www.suite101.com... http://www.cyberbullyalert.com... http://www.pottsmerc.com... http://www.puresight.com... http://cyberbullying.us...