Resolution: Cyber-bullying should be a criminal offense.
Con: Cyber-bullying should not be a criminal offense.
Definition:
“The National Crime Prevention Council's definition of cyber-bullying is
-"when the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person”
Contention 1: Cyber bullying is a problem, but making it a criminal offense will not solve the problem
Yes, cyber bullying is a problem as the Affirmative has stated. However, making it a criminal offense will not solve the problem.
Cyber-bullying is too difficult to monitor. Internet traffic is enormous and cyber bullying can be seen from a great number of websites, especially social networking sites. It is too challenging to determine and distinguish the perpetrator from various screen names. Many perpetrators hide their identity when victimizing someone. Extreme cyber bullying laws are already in place. Extreme cyber bullying behavior can be prosecuted under current laws. Therefore, there is no need to create cyber bullying laws. Ex: According to the New York Times on November 8 “In the Tyler Clementi case, prosecutors are considering bringing hate-crime charges.”
Making cyber bullying a criminal offense is not the correct way to address the problem subpoint - cyber bullying is too hard to define/distinguish from less harmful online behavior
subpoint - it would be impractical to enforce (too costly/not enough man power/not possible to monitor)
subpoint - making it a crime will not stop it from happening, which should be the ultimate goal
subpoint - infringes on peoples freedom of speech
subpoint - victims won’t report abuse
Other, better options subpoint - schools deal with cyber bullying
subpoint - parents deal with cyber bullying
subpoint - students deal with cyber bullying
subpoint - outside organizations deal with bullying
Cyber bullying is a