LIHU‘E — Cyberbullying is an increasing problem in Hawai‘i. It has the unique ability to circulate through the world by just a click of a button to quickly create severe and irrevocable harm to an individual, according to a press
LIHU‘E — Cyberbullying is an increasing problem in Hawai‘i. It has the unique ability to circulate through the world by just a click of a button to quickly create severe and irrevocable harm to an individual, according to a press release from Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie recently signed the cyberbullying bill into law, which amended HRS Section 708-893 to include a prohibition of the use of a computer to pursue, surveil, contact, harass, annoy or alarm a victim in committing an offense of harassment or harassment by stalking. A violation could be a class C felony or a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the action.
“This law provides the teeth for Hawai‘i law enforcement to further address those who would use electronic means to hurt our most precious assets — Hawai‘i’s keiki,” Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho said in the release. “We have been seeing an astronomical increase in these cyberbullying cases occurring, with some causing serious emotional trauma to the victims.”
Cyberbullying is defined as sending or posting cruel messages, photos or videos on the Internet or other electronic media with the intent of damaging the reputation of the target. With the increase in technology and the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, the potential for danger escalates, the release states.
When bullying occurs over the Internet or cell phone, the perpetrator sometimes has no feedback to let him know the impact of his electronic comments; he goes on his way thinking that it is no big deal. The victim of the bullying, however, can be impacted as much as if the bullying was delivered directly to his face.
While the law applies to all ages, research shows that in Hawai‘i, at least 41 percent of teenagers have been cyberbullied at least once, either on the Internet or on their cell phones via text messaging.
Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/bills/GM1295_.PDF to see the new law in its entirety. Contact OPA at 241-1888 for more information.
