It would appear that the sad story of Megan Meier has finally come to an end. In July, we reported that a Federal judge had decided to reverse a jury’s decision and dismiss three charges of misdemeanor computer fraud against Lori Drew. Last Friday, Federal prosecutors decided not to appeal this decision, effectively ending the three-year case.
For those unfamiliar with the case, Drew had been on trial for her involvement in helping her daughter use a fake MySpace account to bully the 13-year-old Meier. Prosecutors had argued that the bullying is what led to Meier’s suicide. The case drew national attention, and even prompted legislative changes designed to prevent cyberbullying in the future.
We have been covering the Megan Meier story and Lori Drew’s subsequent trial since the beginning here at the Reputation.com Blog and the only thing that has remained consistent through it all has been tragedy. Tragedy that a young girl cut her own life short out of fear and insecurity. Tragedy that adults could show such recklessness and inconsideration for a young girl. And tragedy that our society may not learn the lessons of the Megan Meier case in time to prevent more cyberbullying.
Now that the final chapter on this story has been closed, it is important that we all take time to reflect on how this all might have been prevented. If you’re a parent, talk to your kids about social networking and the dangers of cyberbullying. If you’re a teacher or counselor, look for depression, anxiety, and the other telltale signs of mental abuse. And, if you’re a teen yourself, know that there’s no shame in asking for help.
For more information about cyberbullying, check out our guide. I also recommend watching this 30-minute special on cyberbullying that was put together by The Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe) and Comcast.
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[...] to go virtually uninterrupted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As demonstrated in the case of Megan Meier, the results of prolonged cyberbullying can be [...]
[...] to go virtually uninterrupted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As demonstrated in the case of Megan Meier, the results of prolonged cyberbullying can be tragic. In order to protect your kids online [...]
[...] to go virtually uninterrupted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As demonstrated in the case of Megan Meier, the results of prolonged cyberbullying can be [...]
[...] legislation, something that was first considered in 2008 following the suicide of teenager Megan Meier. In an editorial for the Boston Herald, Margery Eagan echos the call for more substantial [...]
[...] suicide comes after a number of other high-profile cases including the suicides of 13-year-old Megan Meier, 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, and 13-year-old Hope [...]
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