But Pott’s story is only one of many, cyberbullying and adolescent suicide have a high correlation. Cyberbullying is a serious problem, but the law has not been able to keep up with advancements in technology. Furthermore, the rate of adolescent assaults is higher than any other age group and is more likely to go viral because of middle and high school culture. Name-calling and gossip of old have transformed into cell phone videos and photos spread throughout a community.

Whereas rape charges used to result in a “he said-she said,” feud, with viral images and videos, it is more likely to obtain a guilty charge. The issue is that the evidence is spread to everyone within a community and makes the victim seem at fault. The evidence that went viral in the case of Audrie Pott will most likely place the perpetrators behind bars.

Cyberbullying is unlike any form of bullying the world has ever seen before. Like anything on the Internet, once it’s out there, it can never be removed. This form of bullying needs laws and restrictions for young social media users. Unfortunately, the consequences of the original type of bullying did not have as permanent consequences. The law needs to keep up so this won’t keep happening.

For More:

California teens face sexual assault charges after girl’s suicide 

Audrie Pott: Cyberbullying law urged after alleged sexual assault

The Dark Side of Social Media: A New Way to Rape