Ethic's Post #2: Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking

     The use of the internet makes people more and more accessible.  We have seen so many benefits to technology but what about some of the drawbacks?  New ways to commit crimes is one disadvantage.  Two new forms of crimes have developed, and they are cyberbullying and cyberstalking.  Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technology to harass, intimidate, or even threaten a minor by a minor.  Basically it is bullying on steroids since it doesn't stop when the last school bell rings, it follows you into your home and can have many more participants than just your average school yard bully.  When adults join in on the victimizing it is called cyberstalking.  This is a form of harassment that uses digital communications and is much more malicious in intent.  The stalker pursues the victim tirelessly and can often times result in an offline attack.  How can we protect ourselves from these types of predators and keep our children safe from new age bullying?  What can we do as a society to punish those who participate in these crimes?
     To understand how to protect ourselves we have to learn about how these forms of crimes are carried out.  Many stories in the news lately address cyberbullying and schools are joining in the awareness of the problem.  New Jersey is one of the states that are informing our students about the act and its consequences as well as trying to devise protocol on how to deal with the problem.  One of the more recent and sad stories of cyberbullying was that of Rutger's student, Tyler Clementi .  He was was reportedly taped via web cam, having a sexual encounter with another male by his roommate; and subsequently committed suicide.  We are so vulnerable to technology that these crimes need a proper and well drawn out punishment as well as education.  Parents need to monitor their children's computer use to make sure they are not becoming victims or worse, the one doing the victimizing.  As parents, we need to keep an open dialog not only with our kids but with the schools as well.   I think schools should implement mandatory classes in their computer labs that show children how to get help if they are being cyberbullied.  I also think anyone found committing this crime should be sentenced to probation and court ordered sensitivity classes for a first offense.  Anything after a first offence should result in a minimum of 3 months in juvenile hall.
     Cyberstalking is even more scary because of the threatening nature and the feeling that there is nowhere to hide from these predators.  I myself have been a victim of stalking and when this person started utilizing the internet it became overwhelming.  Even with a restraining order this person still made contact via Myspace and Facebook.  It is so unnerving to know that someone is out there that can track your every movement and can prey on you from behind a screen. 
    Cyberstalkers can target victims not only by direct internet contact but also by posting erroneous information about the victim and their status.   Under federal law 18 U.S.C. 875(c) stalkers can receive up to 5 years in prison and result in a fine of up to $250,000.  The problem with that law was that it only applied to actual threats through the internet and not to indirect forms of stalking.  They have come up with other laws that have a wider scope in which to prosecute an offender.  In researching laws, I found that the potential jail time given was not as steep as it should be.  If I had my way the minimum would be a 7 year prison term with 5 years probation in which the offender is monitored and evaluated by not only a probation officer but a psychologist as well.  I believe that stalkers are creepy just lurking around the corner following your every move but cyberstalkers are a special kind of creepy.  The use of computers allows them to be as anonymous as they want while infiltrating your life.  To protect ourselves we need to be hyper vigilant with what we share on the web.  Even though social networking sites allow us to keep others updated on our daily events, they also allow others to view things like who you talk to and where you going to be on any given day and time.  Only share benign events over the web, don't post your whereabouts and always keep your privacy settings to allow only a selected few to view what you post.  Even then you can't be too sure whose looking at you from the other side of a monitor but at least they won't have all your info at their fingertips.
     Cyberbullying and cyberstalking is in the forefront right now because it is just so easy to hide behind key strokes.  We need to educate ourselves on the effects and the ease with which these crimes happen and hopefully can deter people from participating.  With respect to cyberstalking, we should always try to be proactive in protecting ourselves by not being so overexposed on the net.  By not giving these criminals information to work with, and reaching out to law enforcement will help to build a stronger front in catching and prosecuting these vile creatures.  Remember your safety and mental well being are paramount.