Defamation of character is a legal term. Defamation is a statement that makes a claim that may portray a negative image about a person or group. How many bullying victims out there feel negatively about themselves because they believe the hate spread lies that float around them? Teens have such a high regard for the opinion of their peers. When their peers are bullying them, their peers are painting a picture that they can only see in a negative light. It is up to the adults in these kids lives to give them a new perspective and to teach them to paint a brightly colored self portrait.
Once again the Don't Feed the Trolls fan page was inspiration for this post. They shared a news article with their fans that struck a chord with me (as MANY things do that involve bullying and cyberbullying prevention).
In summary, a father is defending his daughter's honor. He is seeking legal action against the bullies that posted videos on Facebook that's sole purpose was to harm his daughter. The video contained derogatory comments and lewd gestures aimed at the victim. The most disturbing twist... one of the parents of the girls' responsible for the video appears on camera and is heard off-camera during the video as well.
"The content of the video is unlawful in several respects. It constitutes, among other things, the torts of slander, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation and false light," Medley - who practices business real estate and probate law in Houston - advises the girls and their parents in his first letter. "With the heightened awareness of 'cyberbullying', I am shocked that three girls would behave in this unbecoming, trashy manner."
Even knowing that at least one adult was aware of the situation, he didn't just jump right into litigation either. He tried to make things right by going to the parents and putting his concerns in writing. He asked that contact with his daughter be ceased. He also requested that the offenders make a monetary contribution to a non-profit organization that promotes safe internet usage. When there was no response, either positive or negative, from the parties involved he filed suit.
If it had been me in that situation and I knew that a parent of the bully harming the children in my life were fully aware of the extent of the problem, I would've jumped right to contacting the authorities to proceed. If I had any doubts that the parents may or may not know, I would've (and I have on more then one occasion) gone to the parent to try and resolve things first. I am absolutely appalled that there is any adult that can sit there, watch and participate in, this kind of cruelty.
The idea behind the father's lawsuit is ingenious. Many times bullies spread false rumors about their victim. In the cases of cyberbullying where the falsities are written, one could stake the claim of libel being a justifiable cause for litigation. Libel is the term used for written defamation.
Anyone that stands up for their children in a positive way has my support. I wish this father and his family the best of luck as the case unfolds. It is my hope that this will teach the girls involved that there are consequences for their actions. I also hope that this will teach the girls parents that same lesson. As news spreads of this case, as I'm sure it will, I hope that it will also be a lesson to any bully or potential bully. Anything that might make someone think twice about their negative actions deserves applause in my book. Thank you to everyone who helps a child paint a positive self portrait.
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