Cyberbullying claims two more teen lives
Once again, we see the abuse that can be unleashed by cruel and irresponsible use of the Internet. We’re also witnessing the behavior of teenagers who engage in illegal and immoral activities, video-record and post their acts online. Such has resulted in several cyberbullying deaths.
Audrie Pott was a 15-year-old student at Saratoga High School in California. In September, 2012, the sophomore was at a party where she consumed some alcohol and passed out. She was sexually assaulted and photos of the incident were posted online. Cell phones recorded the abuse and the photos went viral. Humiliated by the photos, she wrote on Facebook that “the whole school knows – my life is ruined now.” Audrie hanged herself eight days later. In April, 2013, three 16-year-old boys were arrested and charged with sexual battery. They may be tried as adults.
Audrie Pott
In 2011, when Rehtaeh Parsons was 15 years old, she was allegedly assaulted by four teenage boys. A photo of the attack was posted online and went viral. Rehtaeh became depressed and struggled for the next year to deal with the abuse from her classmates. The Canadian student hanged herself on April 7, 2013. Since Rehtaeh’s passing, the Novia Scotia government passed legislation against cyberbullying. However, the law was struck in December, 2015 as a violation of the federal charter of rights. Politicians, educators and law enforcement continue to work on the problem.
You may also have heard about the high school football players in Steubenville, Ohio, who were charged with raping a drunk 16-year-old girl. A picture of her, naked and passed out, was circulated around the school. The two teens were tried as juveniles and adjudicated guilty of rape. They were sentenced to serve time in a juvenile detention facility.
What are the lessons here? What can be learned from these cases? Teens today live in a digital world. They communicate by text, tweet and emails. Everything is recorded and shared with the world. But beyond this is the belief that anything goes at anytime. One has to wonder where the parents are as effective role models for these teens. What could possibly explain their lack of respect or care for a classmate?
