Cyberbullies and Cyberstalkers

Have we taught our children to be so "hardened," that they don't think twice about victimizing people? If we could get away with it, would us adults do the same thing to another human being "just for fun?"

Cyberbullying is what kids do, but those 18 years and older who engage in this cold-hearted activity are labeled Cyberstalkers. The logic here is that an adult is mature and intelligent, so he or she knows exactly how this depraved behavior affects the victim. Kids, on the other hand may not be "fully aware" of the impact it has on victims. 

However, a crime is in fact a crime; regardless of age. Why then is the topic not getting the attention that it has rightfully earned? People being tormented to the point of suicide certainly seems like a social problem that a variety of professional disciplines might want to weigh in on. Still there is little discussion of it.

Perhaps we are uncomfortable with the "virtual world," especially those who only use the computer when it cannot be avoided. Maybe we don't want to raise the issue due to concerns for our already eroding constitutional freedoms; free speech could be next. What if acknowledging this requires us to look in our own mirrors and admit that we don't really see anything wrong with being a little cruel.