Private Member’s Bill Proposes To Amend The "Criminal Code" To Address Cyberbullying

The nature of cyberbullying is such that its scope of influence and potential for damage are significant. The most recent cyberbullying tragedy of teenager Amanda Todd, who committed suicide after an inappropriate photo of her went haywire on the internet causing her to be the victim of repeated harassment, threats, and even physical violence, reaffirmed the magnitude of this issue and the lack of efficient tools to punish and deter cyberbullying.

In the face of growing awareness regarding the issue of cyberbullying in Canada, Member of Parliament Hedy Fry of Vancouver Centre introduced Private Member's Bill C-273, "An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Cyberbullying)" to the 41st Parliament for a first reading on September 19, 2011. On June 6, 2012, the Bill passed second reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. At this stage, it will be examined by members of a committee who may propose certain amendments.