Topic > Cyberbullying via the Internet in Hong Kong - 545

Cyberbullying is one of the current topics that have been discussed in Hong Kong society for a long time. With the popularity of electronic devices and the growing use of the Internet, cyberbullying is becoming a serious problem in Hong Kong society. The situation does not only occur among adolescents, but also among adults and causes critical consequences. Belsey [1] defines cyberbullying as a type of bullying that occurs primarily on the Internet through the use of information and communication technologies to support intentional, repeated, and adversarial behavior by an individual or group, resulting in harm others. More and more voices are proposing a law to regulate cyberbullying on the Internet. This essay will analyze whether it should be a legal regulation or not. The bully can be caught when he is proven to have participated in cyberbullying which includes criminal behavior towards the victim, so there is no need to legislate a new law. As the Office of Trade and Economic Development [2] responds to the Legislative Council, inappropriate statements by bullies can lead to various crimes such as criminal intimidation and blackmail. Bullies may also violate the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance when they "caused harassment of others by using offensive phrases, words or images on the Internet" [2]. The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKYFG) questions whether the laws are no longer effective in protecting victims. For example, the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance was issued in 1996 which does not meet the evolving situation nowadays. The law only protects victims when bullies are discovered and the distribution of victims' personal information is done in a personal way and not by organization... means of paper... his, or lack of social skills. Their personal development would be incomplete. It is necessary to regulate cyberbullying through legislation so that there is protection for the victims away from the bullies. Works Cited[1] B. Belsey, “What Can Be Done?”, 2004. [Online] Available: http://www .cyberbullying.ca/pdf/Cyberbullying_Information.pdf [Accessed: November 14, 2013] [2] Hong Kong Information Services Department, “LCQ12: Cyber-bullying,” December 2012. [Online] Available: http://www. info.gov.hk/gia/general/201212/19/P201212190360.htm [Accessed: 14 November 2013] [3] Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, “A study on cyber-bullying among secondary students in Hong Kong ,"Youth Studies Series, vol. 44, pp. 1-150, September 2010.[4] D. L. Hoff and S. N. Mitchell, “Cyberbullying: Causes, Effects, and Remedies,” Journal of Educational Administration, vol. 47, no. 5, pages. 652-665, 2009.