Letter: Don't coin 'bullycide' term
The capitol building in Albany. Credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.
The proposed state law that would make "cyberbullying" a crime is a step in the right direction ["Turning the tables on bullies," News, Sept. 27]. The relatively new type of negative behavior with the prefix "cyber" attached reflects its insidious mode of delivery through the use of the Internet. Recent, and not so recent, suicides resulting from cyberbullying attest to that. But, please, no more labels!
We do not need new terminology, such as "bullycide," which is suggested in the new law. If "harassment that pushes a victim to suicide" is to be added to the definition of second-degree manslaughter, then leave it at that. There is a system of justice in place, even for juveniles, to deal with such offenses when appropriate. It is time we jettison the labels, and free ourselves to focus on the devastating behaviors themselves.
School is a part of society. We do a disservice to our youth not to educate them to think that harmful behavior wrapped in the label "bullying" does not carry serious consequences equal at times to those beyond the school walls. Perhaps it is time to abandon the labels that somehow mask the cruel, and unlawful, reality that is bullying.
Victor Caliman, South Huntington
Editor's note: The writer spent 18 years as an elementary school administrator.
