Bully Deterrence
Can the criminalization of bullying deter the act? According to Professor Nadine Connell, the answer to that question is no. She argues that punishment in the criminal justice system might not be effective for either the bully or the victim. Punishment might not solely deter bullying because children and adolescents often respond to immediate interests, rather than weighing on long-term consequences, and lack the ability for emotional self-regulation. Instead, Dr. Connell suggests that the best way to combat bullying is for adults to quickly respond to it, and to encourage behavior that “benefits society and modeling such civility and respect ourselves.”
To read the full opinion, click here!
Citation: Connell, N. (October 23, 2013) USA Today. Criminal charges don’t deter bullies: Opposing view. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/bullying-bullies-rebecca-sedwick-nadine-connell-editorials-debates/3173171/.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]