Final answer:
The question of treating bullies as criminals, especially in light of cyberbullying, requires careful consideration of the impact on juveniles, the effectiveness of legislation, and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Debating whether bullies should be treated as criminals is complex, as it involves both legal and ethical considerations. The tragic case of Phoebe Prince in Massachusetts led to a crucial shift in addressing bullying, with the bullies facing legal action and the implementation of anti-bullying legislation. This precedent illustrates how society began to consider the severe consequences of bullying and cyberbullying.
In discussing the criminality of bullies, we must also consider the age of the individuals involved. Juveniles present a particular challenge, as they are still developing and the traditional juvenile justice system aims more towards rehabilitation than punishment. Nonetheless, the rise in serious crimes committed by juveniles has prompted discussions about trying them as adults to address their continuation in criminal activities after faltering rehabilitative efforts.
Cyberbullying becomes even more problematic, given its pervasive and relentless nature enabled by technology. The anonymity and reach of online platforms allow bullies to inflict harm without witnessing the consequences, sometimes with devastating outcomes like sui_cide among victims. Whether legislation would effectively change the behavior or deter future cyberbullies is uncertain, though it's hoped that protective measures from communities can intervene before dire situations arise.
The gravitas of bullying, especially cyberbullying, calls for vigilant educational, prevention, and intervention strategies to protect vulnerable youth. Addressing the question of considering bullies as criminals must be done thoughtfully, with considerations to all the complexities of juvenile development, legal consequences, and the efficacy of punitive versus rehabilitative approaches.