Posted 08/14/08 at 12:57:21 PM by Chris Moody

Technology has always left the laws of the land playing catch up when it comes to regulating new things. A new law under consideration in California would allow cyber bullies who use text messages or the Internet to harass their fellow students to be suspended or expelled under a bill that is close to passing the state Legislature. The bill applies to bullying through messaging, cell phones, pagers, computers or other electronic communication devices.

Almost from the very beginning the internet has had it’s own form of bullies in the shape of Trolls and other jerks that feel brave based on the sense of anonymity (real or perceived) that being online gives them. Whether these Trolls are ‘griefing’ a multiplayer games or flaming a forum it has been up to the admins of these services to police their domain which boils down to cleaning up the Troll dung and banishing them by whatever means at their disposal.

This type of behavior in recent years has begun to see overlap with the more traditional schoolyard type bullies. Advanced cell phones with photo and video capabilities and text messaging and internet access make it all too easy for embarrassing situations to become immortalized online forever. This can make life hell for these kids at an age when they are most vulnerable.

Make the jump to hear more about cyber bullying.

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Internet, technology, law, children, cyber bully, harrassment

Posted 06/23/08 at 07:32:04 PM by Thomas MacDonald

Have you heard the one about the 3,500 research studies that show a positive relationship between media violence and violent behavior? It’s an old cudgel often used to bludgeon the gaming industry in the debate about violent games.

Click 'Read On' to see the rest of the column.

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children, grand theft auto, violence, video game violence, gta

Posted 07/13/07 at 01:41:15 PM by Thomas McDonald

Properly used, games can educate and entertain your young 'uns, and not turn them into soulless killers.

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games, education, children, parenting