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Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

Copyright, 2014
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July 7, 2014
Judge Tom
Blog
3

Cyberbullying victims are not just teenagers

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Charlotte Dawson Australia

In 2012, Australian media star and model, Charlotte Dawson, became the target of a Twitter tirade due to her support of anti-bullying efforts. Some social media users wrote comments such as: ‘please hang yourself promptly’ and ‘neck yourself you filthy s***.’ 

The persistent bullying led to a suicide attempt and hospitalization. When discharged she was subjected to further cyber-attacks and depression set in.

Charlotte Dawson Australia

Charlotte Dawson (Facebook)

On February 15, 2014, Charlotte was found dead in her Sydney apartment. She was 47 years old. The police reported there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Once described as outspoken and courageous, she was also fragile. Close friend, actor Russell Crowe, was in the neighborhood when he heard the news. He was out for breakfast with his young sons and broke down at the news of her passing. They met while teenagers and lived near each other.

To our readers in Australia, there is immediate help available if you feel suicidal or just want someone to talk to about your feelings. Go to www.lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14.

 

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Judge Tom

The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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3 Comments

  • Kris B.
    February 5, 2015 11:39 am count( 0 )

    As I began reading the article I didn’t think it was going to end the way it did- suicide. It’s almost disheartening to know she was being targeted because of her “anti-bullying efforts”. What is wrong with this world?
    Good point, Kris. Thanks for writing. -ATJ.info

  • Desiree P.
    December 9, 2014 6:07 am count( 1 )

    This was such an unfortunate tragedy. Yet it illustrates the seriousness of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying impacts all people in different ways. It is vital that we stand up to cyber bullies. We should not stand by while people are being victimized. And if you are a victim of cyber bullying, it is so important to seek help.
    Thank you, Desiree, for your comment. -ATJ.info

  • Elizabeth
    November 3, 2014 10:35 am count( 2 )

    It’s extremely upsetting and heartbreaking when you hear that even adults are becoming targets of cyberbullying. what gives any person the right to tell another human being to go kill yourself; whether you were joking or purposefully trying to hurt someone, we as human being do not have the right or justification to tell people to harm themselves. why is that cyberbullies or any type of bully forget to think that their actions can and will have some type of consequence. We as human beings need to ban together and put an end to such a hurtful epidemic.
    We agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts on this, Elizabeth. Thank you for writing us. -ATJ.info