In the future, Virginia will pass laws to help prevent and punish cyber-bullying if the Bedford County Sheriff gets his way.
Sheriff Mike Brown was shocked by cases of tragic suicides that have followed bullying on the Internet and social media, so he is raising public awareness in the meantime.
Brown plans to distribute DVDs that educate people about cyber-bullying to every school in the Commonwealth.
The sheriff said cyber-bullying goes on 24 hours a day and usually begins at school.
“Nearly 43 percent of the kids have been bullied on line—one in four has had it happen more than once. And bullying victims are two to nine times more likely to consider committing suicide."
Brown said parents, police, and educators need to know what to do. So he raised private funds to create an on-line and DVD training program. Tammy Garcia flew in from California to support his initiative. Her son, Michael, was cyber-bullied and took his own life. She said parents should be aware and look for signs.
“Just really listen to your kids, talk to your kids, love them. You know, it’s so precious to have them here in your life.”
Brown presented her with an award making her son an honorary Bedford deputy sheriff and praising her public awareness efforts.
Brown added that school resource officers should also become more aware and investigate reports of cyber-bullying. He said other states have crafted laws to confront the challenge, and he’s working with lawmakers to determine how to do so in Virginia. You can find out more information, and watch the video link, at the National White Collar Crime Center.
