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State Sen. David Simmons has had it with the growing cases of bullying by children and adults.
That’s why on Wednesday he filed a bill – Senate Bill 548 – to strengthen the state’s bullying law and make bullying a first-degree misdemeanor. In a phone interview Thursday, the Republican from Altamonte Springs, said it’s time to bring the laws about bullying into tune with the growing impact of social media. In the past, he has worked to address stalking as a crime.
He said bullying would involve “a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly harasses or cyberbullies another.” Repeat offenders would face a felony.
If approved during the 2014 legislative session, it also would address the lack of civility online. Far too many people with Internet access believe they can write and do anything with no consequence or accountability.
“They don’t have to face the person,” he said of online bullies, adding the attacks can become increasingly abusive and be played out in front of large audiences. “They can destroy a person’s life. There are things that can be said that can never be taken back.”
We support the bill because it will address the 21st century problem of cyberbullying and holding people responsible for hateful and hurtful words. It also gets our support because Simmons understands the difference between legitimate disagreement and the abuse of free speech.
Under the bill, the term excludes constitutionally protected activities such as picketing and other organized protests.
“We’re not talking about freedom of speech,” he said. We all know what bullying is: The relentless abuse of another person.”
Simmons also said what many lament: Technology has eclipsed what was once a civilized society.
“It’s a different world today than it was 40 years ago,” he said.
He also addressed those who want to default to schools to teach children right from wrong. “It’s going to take more than education. It’s going to take consequences.”
He said there have to be limits to how people interact online, despite those who want to hide behind free speech. Civilizations have always had limits, he pointed out.
“What has happend to happened to civility?” he asked. “It’s been lost on the Internet.”
Simmons is also concerned about a society that tolerates bullying because it’s online and not a “real” or “true” threat.
“It’s incredible the culture we are teaching our children,” Simmons said. “Bullying needs to be made a crime
That’s why on Wednesday he filed a bill – Senate Bill 548 – to strengthen the state’s bullying law and make bullying a first-degree misdemeanor. In a phone interview Thursday, the Republican from Altamonte Springs, said it’s time to bring the laws about bullying into tune with the growing impact of social media. In the past, he has worked to address stalking as a crime.
He said bullying would involve “a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly harasses or cyberbullies another.” Repeat offenders would face a felony.
If approved during the 2014 legislative session, it also would address the lack of civility online. Far too many people with Internet access believe they can write and do anything with no consequence or accountability.
“They don’t have to face the person,” he said of online bullies, adding the attacks can become increasingly abusive and be played out in front of large audiences. “They can destroy a person’s life. There are things that can be said that can never be taken back.”
We support the bill because it will address the 21st century problem of cyberbullying and holding people responsible for hateful and hurtful words. It also gets our support because Simmons understands the difference between legitimate disagreement and the abuse of free speech.
Under the bill, the term excludes constitutionally protected activities such as picketing and other organized protests.
“We’re not talking about freedom of speech,” he said. We all know what bullying is: The relentless abuse of another person.”
Simmons also said what many lament: Technology has eclipsed what was once a civilized society.
“It’s a different world today than it was 40 years ago,” he said.
He also addressed those who want to default to schools to teach children right from wrong. “It’s going to take more than education. It’s going to take consequences.”
He said there have to be limits to how people interact online, despite those who want to hide behind free speech. Civilizations have always had limits, he pointed out.
“What has happend to happened to civility?” he asked. “It’s been lost on the Internet.”
Simmons is also concerned about a society that tolerates bullying because it’s online and not a “real” or “true” threat.
“It’s incredible the culture we are teaching our children,” Simmons said. “Bullying needs to be made a crime
