Cyber-Bullying Case at Lawrence Central Highlights Online Issue

By Katie McDowell, writer for the Lawrence Central Cub Reporter.

By Katie McDowell, Cub Reporter, Lawrence Central High School

The 6-foot-5-inch buff guy stuffing kids into lockers and taking lunch money is no longer the stereotype of a school bully. It’s the 21st century and times have changed. Today bullying doesn’t always take place during school hours, but behind the computer screen in the comfort of a kid’s own home.

According to The National Crime Prevention Council, “Online bullying, called cyber-bullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” Nearly half of teens have been bullied while online while half of all teens have admitted to saying something hurtful to another using the Internet.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, marked the beginning of Lawrence Central’s very own cyber-bullying case with the debut of LCHS Gossip Girl, a blog created by an anonymous user designed to share stories about Lawrence Central students’ social lives and the gossip that comes with it. Although the blogger uses no first or last names, initials and puns on real names are her way of identifying people.

The creator of the blog is capable of being charged with libel with the publication of obscene pictures or writing slander of another. And so far, this act has been carried out on several students here.

“My friends know I would never do anything like that,” sophomore Kelsey Funk said after being referred to on the site. “I think it’s hilarious how stupid it is.”

If Gossip Girl believes the exclusion of actual names keeps her safe from the law, she’s wrong. “If people know who the person’s talking about, (the blogger) can still be liable in a case,” Steve Key, the general counsel of the Hoosier State Press Association, said. And once the website provokes a victim to take action on it, the victim has a case.

“When someone feels strongly enough about (the site), he can file a lawsuit once information on the website is provided,” Key said.

The consequences of libel can be severe. The culprit can get an expensive verdict, and if she is a minor, her parents can be charged as well. “Parents can be held responsible for what their kid does on the internet,” Key said.

Not only is Gossip Girl capable of being tangled up with the law and court cases, but the school can also act on it. “A school has no liability to act; however, if a school found out and its behavior violated the school code, they have avenues to take action against the blogger,” Key said.

The LC Student Handbook states on page 33:

Students who commit such acts (threats, bullying and assaults) are subject to suspension, expulsion, arrest and/or prosecution.

Senior Nate Tubbs, also mentioned on the site, agreed that rumors spread on the site have violated school policies. “This site crosses the line in a high school environment where kids are vulnerable in an emotional sense,” Tubbs said.

Bloggers beware: The punishment for libel may be worse than most think. The only thing Lawrence Central may soon be gossiping about is the lawsuit. The punishments against the blogger may go on beyond the law. “Even without a punishment, it would be embarrassing enough for the gossiper to be exposed,” Funk said.

Tubbs agreed. “I hope the writer doesn’t reveal herself because she has already burned so many bridges,” he said.