End Cyber-Bullying in Michigan

Jennifer Petkov, age 33, cyber-bullied seven-year-old Kathleen Edward by posting an image of the child in the arms of the Grim Reaper on Facebook. When asked why, she said her bullying was out of jealousy over the sympathy and aid that Kathleen and her mother received for having been diagnosed with Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that ultimately results in death, as it has for Kathleen's mother, Laura.

Cyber-bullying, or the willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices, is becoming a disturbing epidemic. For example, a recent study revealed that 43 percent of adolescents were cyber-bullied just last year. Cyber-bulling causes depression, and at its extremes, can result in suicide.

Michigan Senator Glenn S. Anderson has submitted new legislation to make cyber-bullying illegal. This legislation has stalled in the Senate. Urge the Michigan Senate to make bullying a crime.