Although it is a relatively new concept, I researched how many states have cyberbullying laws or criminal sanctions that apply to cyberbullying. It was surprising the learn that 48 states have cyberbullying laws and 44 have criminal sanctions for cyberbullying. The two states that don’t have cyberbullying laws are Alaska and Wisconsin, while the six states that don’t have criminal sanctions for cyberbullying are Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wyoming. I believe that the growing number of cases of cyberbullying, will influence more states to become active, having laws, sanctions, or both. The consequences today for the children being bullied, would demand these put into …show more content…
Based on an article on CNN, Jen Christensen believes they are. According to Christensen, 20% of students are bullied at school compared to 15% whom are bullied online. She’s states that numbers have decreased significantly and that a decade ago only 28% of students have reported to be bullied. Then CBS News writer Ashley Welch agrees, saying laws are indeed working, her numbers concurring with Christensen’s. In addition, Welch believes that public awareness of bullying and cyberbullying has decreased the number of people being victimized by bullying. It appears laws and policies are working; however, these numbers are sure to fluctuate. Hopefully, the problem will continue to improve as the seriousness has grown. In this research paper, I compared the states having laws and sanctions concerning bullying. I further discussed the effectiveness and need for both. While I believe, it is an effective measure to have both laws and sanctions, I further believe that to tackle the growing problem of bullying, increasing numbers of states should implement policies as