Nowadays, we live in an environment that
accepts bullying as a behaviour and even as a form of entertainment. Cyber
bullying includes spreading rumors, teasing, talking in a deliberate manner
with a purpose of hurting someone etc. Cyber bullying has very dangerous
consequences for the victim as it can lead to depression, drug abuse, and in
some cases, even suicide. There are various criminal laws that apply to many
forms of cyberbullying like criminal harassment or utter of threats etc.
However, with dynamic digital technology, the laws need to be changed as well.
The Government of Canada is striving to propose changes in the criminal code of
the law relating to cyberbullying.
On the basis of the extent and essence of the
behaviour related to cyberbullying, the offences like criminal harassment,
uttering threats, intimidation, mischief with respect to data, uncertified use
of computer, identity fraud, extortion, false messages, harassing telephone
calls, counselling suicide, persuasion of hatred and child pornography come
under the current criminal code. But with the dynamic environment which is
constantly changing, certain new laws need to be introduced and so, the
Government of Canada has introduced a new legislation to a put a check on non consensual
issuance of intimate images. Intimate images as per law refers to any image or
video that reveals individual engaged in sexual activity or reveals any of
his/her sexual organ. This legislation was passed in Parliament in
November,2013 and an offence under it would be punishable by a penalty of
atleast five years' of imprisonment.
Other consequences of cyberbullying for the
bully includes civil penalties, like school intervention through suspensions,
conviction of five years for criminal misdemeanors and even offences. A recent
case in which Brampton students were suspended from school over twitter
comments about teachers is a perfect example of how the society as well as
legal structure of the country can come together to fight cyber bullying
Other consequences of cyberbullying for the
bully includes civil penalties, like school intervention through suspensions,
conviction of five years for criminal misdemeanors and even offences. A recent
case in which Brampton students were suspended from school over twitter
comments about teachers is a perfect example of how the society as well as
legal structure of the country can come together to fight cyber bullying
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