Cyber-Bullying Crisis
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Cyber-Bullying Crisis

Date: April 22, 2008
By: Erika Navarrete
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 818

Intro: The House Crime Prevention Committee passed a measure that would consider cyber-bullying a harassment crime. Tina Meier, whose daughter's suicide is attributed to cyber-bullying, pleaded in its favor.

Erika Navarrete (Nahv-ah-rett) has more from the State Capitol.

RunTime:0:47
OutCue: SOC

The tragedy suicide of 13-year-old Megan Meier came after she was harassed on her MySpace account by the mother of a childhood friend.

As a result, this legislation would impose stiffer penalties for harassment committed by an adult against a minor.

Tina Meier urged the need for an end to this continuous crisis.

Actuality:  TINA1.WAV
Run Time: 00:06
Description: "Kids destroy other kids lives, this was an adult... and this stuff happens. Daily."

Meier said the lack of prosecution for online harassment cases allows cyber-bullys the freedom to say anything they want.
Actuality:  TINA2.WAV
Run Time: 00:07
Description: "It's considered now under freedom of speech. The freedom of speech to destroy somebody...and I don't consider that freedom of speech." 

The measure would consider all forms of electronic harassment a crime.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Erika Navarrete, KMOX News.