LANSING – With the recent suicide of a Rutgers University student and the Michigan Attorney General refusing to fire a staffer for a controversial blog, State Representative Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) today announced legislation targeting cyberbullying to ensure Michigan’s teens and children are protected from harmful and potentially tragic cyber attacks.
“We must protect our youth from these senseless attacks that all too often end in tragedy,” Brown said. “Social networks and online forums have been a safe haven for predators and bullies for far too long. There’s no place for such harmful actions in our communities and Michigan laws fall dreadfully short in protecting our children from these crimes. It’s time to step up and send the message that we’re not going to tolerate cyberbullying.”
Brown’s plan would crack down on cyberbullying and implement tough penalties to protect teens and hold offenders accountable. Cyberbullying occurs when people use the Internet, cell phones or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.
The need for Brown’s legislation is highlighted by two cases of cyberbullying that have garnered national attention and exposed the lack of protections for youth against cyberbullies. The recent suicide by a Rutgers University student after two other students allegedly streamed his romantic encounter online has brought to light the tragic consequences of such crimes. The failure of Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox to fire his Assistant Attorney General, who took a personal leave, for his blog attacks on an openly gay student at the University of Michigan also demonstrates the need for Brown’s legislation.
“The Attorney General’s response to this case so far is shameful and completely unacceptable,” Brown said. “Mike Cox is the top law enforcement official in Michigan and it’s his job to protect our residents. We can’t expect to keep our young people safe when the Attorney General is tolerating such behavior. It’s time for Mike Cox to wake up and do his job and protect our residents.”
