Legislation would grant Protection Orders, seize computers and electronics, create Cyber-bulling Tort and engage parental responsibility: Goertzen
Progressive Conservative Education Critic, Kelvin Goertzen, today will introduce Cyber-bulling Legislation that would help those who are being victimized by cyber-bullying regain some power and protection.
The legislation would allow persons to obtain protection orders where they are the victims of cyber-bullying and would allow for the seizure of electronics that are being used to cyber-bully. It would also create a separate civil tort of cyber-bullying and put an onus on parents to act where they are aware that their child is engaging in cyber-bullying.
“Cyber-bulling is a very real problem both inside schools and outside the school environment,” said Goertzen. “There needs to be real action and real consequences for cyber-bulling because it not only impacts lives, it can result in the loss of life.”
Goertzen noted that under the legislation, youth as young as 16 could apply for their own protection order when they are being cyber-bullied.
“Far too often young people feel powerless when they are being bullied. This is one step in restoring a sense of control,” said Goertzen.
Goertzen said he hoped the NDP government would move quickly to adopt the legislation as it has failed to produce tough anti cyber-bullying legislation of its own.
“It’s time for the NDP to stop talking about doing something, and actually take some real action on this significant problem,” said Goertzen.
