Two Acts/Laws Addressing Cyber-Bullying:
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The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) (1998): This U.S. law is designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they are online. It requires websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children. While not explicitly addressing cyber-bullying, COPPA helps create a safer online environment for children by limiting the information gathered about them, which can reduce the avenues through which cyber-bullying occurs.
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The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act (2017): This U.S. law requires certain organizations, particularly those involved in youth sports, to implement policies and procedures that protect young people from abuse, including electronic harassment and bullying. This act mandates training for adults who interact with youth and encourages reporting of any suspected abuse or bullying, including cyber-bullying incidents.
Effectiveness of These Acts/Laws:
Is it effective in preventing cyber-bullying? Yes.
Motivation: The effectiveness of these laws can be seen in their ability to create safer environments for children online. COPPA limits the amount of personal information available about children, reducing the potential for cyber-bullying that often stems from personal details being misused. Moreover, the Safe Sport Authorization Act raises awareness and training about abuse, including cyber-bullying, leading to better prevention measures within youth organizations. While these laws alone may not completely eliminate cyber-bullying, they set a foundational framework for better protection and enforcement, making it more difficult for bullying behaviors to thrive. Additionally, the education and preventive measures encouraged by these laws help shift cultural perceptions surrounding cyber-bullying, fostering environments that discourage such behavior.