KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Possible Cyber bullying Law

Possible Cyber bullying Law

WASHINGTON - As technology advances so does the way bullies pick on other kids. 

Washington Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles is pushing to expand the definition of student bullying to include harassing or threatening messages to a student's cell phone or on the Internet.

18-year-old Zac Akanaseawater said, "It's getting high tech now a days.  It's not just playground stuff where you're raggin on each other."

Bullies have been around for a long time and upgrades to technology have given them another avenue to harass their follow students.

16-year-old high school junior Daesha Harris said she has been harassed by other teens over the Internet.  She said, "They text message mean things saying I hate you, don't talk to me.  Really brutal things."

Akanasewater said, "Now that everybody has a cell phone and anybody can get on Myspace, it's making it easier to pick on other kids using technology."

Harris said, "I just say forget it.  I just deal with it my own way.  I just sit there and take it."

Washington lawmakers said they want to add harassing text messages and online harassment to be included in Washington's Anti-bullying Law that has been around since 2002.

Harris said, "They think it's fun to harass someone like me because I like to talk a lot.   Sometimes it gets to you."

Spokane Police arrested a 13-year-old girl for allegedly sending death threats over the Internet.

The Senator Kohl-Welles is behind the bill said she recognizes this as a major problem and wants both parents and schools to be more aware of it.