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September 20th, 2013

Florida Teen Commits Suicide After Being Bullied Online and at School

Maryland Supreme Court Hears Arguments to 2023 Child Victims Act

It has to stop. Yet another teenager has died after suffering from cyberbullying. This time, a 12 year old Lakeland, FL girl jumped to her death after being subjected to extended cyberbullying by former classmates. Lakeland is outside of Orlando and Tampa in Florida.

According to a news article from the NY Times, the girl’s mother said her daughter was bullied over a boy she dated. As a result, the girl switched schools, but the bullying continued. Threats were posted online and on social media websites. The bullies made comments such as, “You should die,” and “Why don’t you go kill yourself.”

According to the article, the online bullying/cyberbullying continued for months. Source: www.nytimes.com, “Girl’s Suicide Points to Rise in Apps Used by Cyberbullies”

Cyberbullying – Can the Bullies be Held Liable?

Increasingly, states are either passing anti-cyberbullying laws or becoming more willing to prosecute bullies under traditional harassment laws. Read about a recent PA court case which upheld a harassment conviction for cyberbullying.

Also, from a civil law standpoint, bullies can be held liable to pay monetary damages to their victims. That includes cyberbullying cases. In some situations, parents of an underage bully can be held liable for failing to stop the bullying, after having received notice or fair warning of it.

Related bullying and cyberbullying articles:

Pennsylvania & New Jersey Bullying Lawyers, FREE CONSULTATIONS

Stewart Ryan and Guy D’Andrea are former prosecutors who now fight for victims’ rights to obtain justice in civil cases. They are passionate about justice for bullying victims and offer free, confidential consultations to all.

For a free, confidential consultation, call (215) 399-9255. Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan has the resources and experience to handle matters outside the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.

Our attorneys serve bullying victims in the following areas: Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; New Castle County, DE; Kent County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can also obtain special admission in other states such as New York or Delaware on a case by case basis.

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