Another state criminalizes cyberbullying in 2019
Michigan defines cyberbullying as posting a message or statement onto a public media forum with the intent to mislead, damage, intimidate, frighten or harass a person to cause emotional distress, or to cause the person to be harmed or harm themselves (Public Act 457).
If convicted of cyberbullying, it is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in jail, or a fine up to $1,000. The judge assigned to your case decides the appropriate penalty.
If someone dies due to cyberbullying, the bully could be charged and, if found guilty, be fined or sent to prison for up to twenty years. As you know, bullying of any type (traditional or cyber) is wrong and should always be avoided. Don’t feel pressured to join a cyber-mob and go after a classmate, teacher, or other school official. Since these acts are online, you can’t erase your comments. They’re out there forever, and for anyone to read at any time – even years later. That includes future employers, college admission offices, and the military.
