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With the new pricing system, insurers abandoned the traditional arrangement that has patients pay a fixed amount, like $10, $20 or $30 for a prescription, no matter what the drug’s actual cost. Instead, they are charging patients a percentage of the cost of certain high-priced drugs, usually 20 to 33 percent, which can amount to thousands of dollars a month.
Many iVillagers, including catwoman1977, can't help but express their disdain over the new pricing system: "We're already paying several hundred dollars a month in co-pays and now it might go into the thousands? There's no way the average American taxpayer can afford to be ill!"
And not surprisingly, members who already have medical and health issues to deal with, are doubly concerned. Says member ellamenopea: "This can't possibly be true, can it? My husband takes medication for asthma and if we had to pay more than the current co-pay, which is already $50, we'd have to change our style of living. Some of his medications are very, very expensive ... What the heck is wrong with this country that we can't provide for those who need care? And why can't the drug companies eat some of this cost?"
Member 3_lil_monkeys feel the same way: "I've been diagnosed with severe allergies as well as skin cancer, so I've had more office visits with specialists (co-pays for office visits to specialists have doubled) as well as medications that we didn't expect to have to purchase. We've already depleted our flex account for the entire year and will now need to pay any costs for the remaining 8 months of this year from out of our pockets."
It seems everyone has the same question. Asks member nightandday: "What's the point in having insurance and paying the ridiculously high premiums if we're going to have to pay for the drugs we need anyway?"
Share your thoughts on this issue, how will you be affected by the rise of co-payments?
Concern (and debate) over sex education is still alive and well in the country—and on the iVillage boards—especially in light of a recent government study which revealed that one in four teen girls has a sexually transmitted disease. But further fueling the sex-ed debate is a U.S. survey that revealed comprehensive sex education that includes discussion of birth control may help reduce teen pregnancies, while abstinence-only programs seem to fall short.
Even before the results of the sex education study were released, some iVillagers already have objections to abstinence-only programs, which receive $176 million in government funds annually. Member beaches59 on the Parenting Issues Debate board says, "My objection to abstinence-only health education is that I'd much rather have my children get the scientific information and [be able to] make knowledgeable choices."
Many iVillagers, such as member lyn0905 from the June 2006 Playgroup, feel schools should have a comprehensive sex ed program: "While I think teaching abstinence is so important... we also need to help protect those that don't choose abstinence. I'm not sure how I feel about schools handing out condoms but I do think it's important for parents and sex ed programs to not only teach abstinence as a form of protection... but also how to use condoms correctly!"
Some, however, such as member momathome91041, feel abstinence-only sex education is effective because it disregards what may be confusing information: "I favor abstinence-only because it is the only thing that is both safe and effective. I believe that [sex] education that includes birth control teaching can only confuse some kids and lull them into believing that birth control equals 'safe sex' equals infallible--which it's not. It's not 100% fool-proof, it's not 100% safe, either."
Member susananderek has an opposing view, and believes it's important to give as much information as possible: "The fact is, teenagers are making the decision to either have sex or to not have sex. I know that any decision I make is best made with all the available information. And this is such an important decision. So I think that yes, let's teach them about abstinence—give them the tools they need to say no, if that is what their choice is going to be. But lets also give them the birth control and STD information. Demystify it, teach it, and hopefully the kids will learn enough to make good decisions."
Another member, thatyank, agrees and also thinks that teaching responsibly means teaching a comprehensive sex education: "Teaching ONLY abstinence is, at best, negligent,and at worst, criminal as this generation appears to be sadly ignorant of how [sexually transmitted] diseases are transmitted, of how vulnerable they are, and of what to do when symptoms are noticed..."
Share your thoughts. Are you in favor of abstinence-only sex education? Do you think it's effective? Leave your comments below.
News that New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has spent thousands of dollars on a high-priced prostitution service had the iVillage message boards buzzing with expressions of shock, outrage and disappointment.
Now, there's another revelation that has the community talking: "new" New York governor David Paterson admits he had marital affairs with several women, one a state employee.
Spitzer's Successor: Also a Cheater?
Gov. David Paterson's confession came a day after he took over from former Gov. Eliot Spitzer. Paterson said the affairs happened during a rough patch in his marriage, and that the employee did not work for him. He insisted that no campaign or state money was spent on the affairs.
An Beehive commenter has this to say: "Watching this thing unfold I'm beginning to think that ALL men cheat. But why? Why marry the woman, pledge to her your faithfulness and then cheat?" But cl-nwtreehugger think more people should applaud Gov. Paterson and his wife: "This couple learned from their mistakes. They went for counseling and saved their marriage."
Member mkatherine thinks he did the right thing by admitting his affairs: "I think he did the smart thing... admit to what happened and get it done with. He didn't abuse power, he didn't break any laws, he had a difficult marriage and they both went astray and found their way back."
Honesty may be the best policy in the new governor's case, but if you cheated would you tell your significant other even if the admission tears you apart?
Reactions to the Spitzer Scandal
The whole scandal still leaves a bad taste in many iVillagers' mouths. Members, such as raskolnikov_pliskin, have harsh words for the former governor—a staunch advocate of ethics reform—calling him a disgrace and a hypocrite. "I hope he is prosecuted for breaking the law and has to live with the consequences like any other John." Member susandoris also expresses her disappointment over the actions of Spitzer, a 48-year-old married man with three teenage daughters: "I'm sad for his family and disappointed by his own lack of responsibility towards me and all New Yorkers."
Members are also commenting on the governor's wife, Silda Wall Spitzer. Her appearance by her husband's side as he made his apology on Monday launched dozens of conversations. Why is she there? Should she be there? Several members, such as navygal06, don't think she should be at her husband's side. "I don't see how you could stand next to your husband while he apologizes for cheating on his family. In reality he's really only sorry because he got caught."
Member pamela.r.simpson also wonders why Sptizer's wife is standing by him. "I just wonder why political wives go along with it so consistently ... to save her [husband's] career, I suppose. Only, I wonder why there aren't more wives who decide that hubby—and his career—can go jump in the lake at that point."
Why do betrayed political wives stand by their man? Member fallenstar2005 thinks it's part of the "business arrangement" that constitutes most political marriages: "It's supposed to be sort of subliminal. See? He isn't so bad. His spouse is still supporting him. If she can forgive him why can't the voters? I really don't know how the spouses stand up to the pressure." She adds: "Actually, I do. When you first find out you have been betrayed, you are enveloped in a numbing confusion. My husband confessed to me on the morning of my son's graduation. I had to sit next to the man I loved and hated more than anything else in the world and deal with friends and family and the appearance of a normal happy event. You become numb. You know you are in no state to make any decisions, yet, and you just live minute by minute. It's horrible."
cl-vahalla31z from the Betrayed Spouses board says she would give Silda Wall Spitzer the same advice she gives on the support group: "[I'll tell her] to make sure she is putting herself and her children first. To think about what she wants out of life, a partner, and a marriage, and then look at her husband to see if she believes he is willing and able to give that to he. If she wants to remain married, then she should be looking to see if he is showing true remorse for the pain he has caused her, if he is taking full and complete responsibility for his choice to cheat, if he is showing through his actions that he will make changes in himself and his lifestyle, and that he will put in a lot of effort into working on the marriage."
Share you thoughts on the governor's resignation and fall from power. Should his wife Silda stand by him? Leave your comments below and watch the video: what to tell your children when a parent cheats.
Homeschooling has always been a hot topic in the iVillage community, but a recent California Court of Appeal ruling that says parents now need teaching credentials to homeschool their kids really had the message boards buzzing.
The ruling—which would make California the strictest on homeschooling—stemmed from a case involving a Los Angeles-area couple who homeschooled their eight children. One of the children claimed the father was physically abusive.
Not surprisingly, many iVillagers and homeschool advocates, such as member summerbaby99 are angry about the ruling, calling it flat-out wrong: "This is wrong on so many levels, I just can't believe that a judge, let alone a panel of three judges, have come to this decision. I fail to see how having a child taught by a credentialed teacher would protect them from abuse."
Member is_it_christmas_yet from the December 2006 Playgroup agrees, calling the ruling ridiculous: "Personally, I find it completely offensive that any state would force a parent to have a teaching certificate to teach their OWN child. What's next? A [psychology] degree before you can counsel your kid? A medical degree before you can stick on a Band-Aid? I would petition this law, and I would move if I had to. It's ridiculous to think that teachers know the best way to teach ... No one is better equipped to make decisions on a child than that child's parents."
Does the ruling actually intrude on parental rights? Many seem to think so. leoandnatesmom from the March 2006 Playgroup says: "People who choose to homeschool do so because some aspect of the public school system does not meet their needs. Maybe it is substance and maybe it is the quality of the teachers or the environment or some combination of these and many other factors. To require these parents to have the same credentials as public school teachers, which I presume is cost-prohibitive, is akin to outlawing homeschooling... On a more fundamental level, private school teachers don't have to have teaching degrees, so why should parents who homeschool?"
Some iVillagers, however, such as certified teacher dcnanny, agree with the ruling: "I have often wondered about so many children being homeschooled by parents who are wonderfully well-intentioned and loving, but not up to the challenge that is an inherent part of strong teaching. I worry about the rigor of home programs, I worry about the socialization, I worry about lags that students have shown when they come into my very own classroom after being homeschooled."
Member addieandclairesmom from the January 2007 Playgroup see the benefit in having standards (though not necessarily teaching credentials) followed for homeschooling: "I do support standards for homeschooled kids, making sure they are learning what they are supposed to [be learning] ... Despite the best intentions of homeschooling, parents just aren't capable of teaching their children. Sad but true. As a teacher, I've seen kids come back to public school after being homeschooled. Some have been ahead academically but a few were way behind. No parent sets out to do a bad job homeschooling, but it happens. I'm sure most homeschooling parents do their research, but some dont. And really, if you're not a teacher, how would you know what math skills a third-grader is supposed to know? If you dont research it to find out, or use a preplanned curriculum, how would you know?"
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think parents need teaching credentials to homeschool their children? Leave your commments below.
We consider dogs man's best friends--and kids love those furry creatures, too. But sometimes, the feeling is just not mutual. According to the Center for Disease Control, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites each year, and the rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children. So it's not surprising that iVillager shesgonecountry1952 sounded worried when she asked the Hot Debates board: "Would you be concerned if your son and daughter-in-law plan to keep a Pit Bull after finding out they are expecting twins?"
Some iVillagers, such as tlflag1620, feel that dogs--specifically, Pit Bulls--get a bad rap because of scary news headlines. "[I would not be concerned] if the dog was well-trained, properly socialized, and had no history of aggressive behavior. My concerns would be the same regardless of breed. I think it is a horrible shame that Pit Bulls are given such a bad rap.... all because some nasty humans train them improperly/abuse them."
But others, such as member iluvzander, feel they would be "worried about any animal large enough to inflict serious harm on a baby." She adds: "Dogs are not to be trusted. That is a statement from my dogs' trainer ... Personally, I would not have the dog and baby at the same time." Member the_big_c think having a Pit Bull around a baby is, simply put, "a bad idea."
Member jezibelle, a registered veterinary nurse, also have mixed feelings about keeping a dog in a home with a baby: "Any dog can be dangerous around children, regardless of breed. Children have been known to have been killed by the family Pomeranian. Cocker Spaniels are notorious for biting kids."
A member of the May 2007 Playgroup, lyndseyandkevin, recently discovered how a beloved family dog can unexpectedly inflict harm when her Goldendoodle (a golden retriever-poodle mix) bit her baby: "I am so sad. This dog was my baby and has never shown any signs of aggression. I just don't know what to do at this point. Try to keep them apart or try to find [the dog] a new home?" She asked fellow iVillagers: "What would you do?"
Member toiny offers a piece of advice: "I would definitely look for a home for the dog. It's just not worth the risk of it happening again and those things can happen in the blink of an eye." Member charrah agrees: "I understand how people feel like their dogs are part of their family, but there is no pet that will ever be as important to me as my chldren. If I saw any bit of aggression, the animal would be gone immediately. Unfortunately, animals are just that, animals, and they can act out at any moment, for no reason and with no warning."
Share your thoughts and leave your comments here. If you have young children, do you keep a family dog? What precautions do you take to make sure your child is out of harm's way?
We all know about the common first-date no-nos: being late, talking about exes, talking on your cell phone for most of the meal. But a recent post on the 20-Something Hangout got some members all riled up about one particular dating "don't"—asking about your date’s finances.
Member rebainmi asked: “I had a first date with a guy tonight and somehow we got to talking about the Suze Orman show, 401k, and he [started asking] me questions like ‘What's your credit score?’ and ‘What's your credit limit?’ … Thoughts?
Not surprisingly, more than 90% of poll-taking iVillagers responded that the questions were downright rude, and that rebainmi's financial info is none of the guy’s business. “Asking about your credit score and credit limit is completely inappropriate,” says member u_grad_lady. “He's got some nerve.”
Member smartypantz81 agrees: “I think that is just wrong! I could [understand] if you guys were in a serious relationship and talking about a future together… but on a first date? BUZZER! Maybe he is a gold digger?”
Smartypantsz81 was not the only one questioning the guy’s motives. Member wishful78, who’s had a similar experience, says: “I had a first date similar to yours and he went as far as to ask me how much money I make annually. I didn't tell him, of course. I [found] out later that he had horrible credit and was filing bankruptcy against his credit cards… I'm not dumb and I knew what he was after. You ain't living off of me buddy! ”
Member completelyuncalled4 offers some additional insight--and a warning: “He probably asks that of all his first dates… He's ‘fishing’ for something, probably some woman with good credit that he can use in the long run to co-sign for things like a cell phone, a car, etc. You might think 'It won't be me' now, but when you deal with a professional manipulator, you never see it coming until it's too late.”
Some iVillagers, such as loriannedz, however, were willing to give the nosey date the benefit of the doubt: “I personally would never ask someone this kind of stuff even after the 10th date … [but] maybe he was just nervous and trying to make conversation and since the topic of the evening was finances and mortgages, he thought, for some reason, it would be appropriate to ask that.”
Rebainmi (the original poster), ended up not answering her date’s prying questions but she did come to an important realization at the end of the night: “I hate dating.”
Share your thoughts on this awkward dating situation. What would you have said? And share your own first-date turn-offs and tales of first dates gone wrong.
Kids grow so fast, and for parents of two or more children, hand-me-down clothes are great time- and money-savers. But is it a good idea for parents to let their younger kids use their siblings' outgrown underwear? This question recently sparked animated discussions on the iVillage message boards, and one buzz-worthy debate.
Some iVillagers were quick to describe hand-me-down underwear as “eww, a thousand times eww”, “nasty” and just plain “gross.” They, like member crunchy_ananas, think parents shouldn’t have to scrimp when it comes to personal necessities such as underpants: "Underwear is cheap, seriously. There's no reason to hand them down." Member tsarina_andais agrees: “I am an only child with only one son but I think hand-me-down underwear is gross. Underwear is seriously not that expensive. I think I would have issues if I couldn't even have new underwear. I asked my mom about it, who is the youngest of six, and she was horrified. She says all she wore were hand-me-downs, but she always had new underwear and socks. [Hand-me-down underwear] gets a definite ‘No’ vote from this camp.”
iVillagers also pointed out the “ick factor” associated with hand-me-down underwear. Member ashmama says: "Microbiologists in studies have found fecal matter on clean underwear, so I wouldn't do it … I don't think everything has to be perfectly sterile--a certain amount of germs can be good for your immune system--but there is something a little bit nasty about wearing undies with other people's poo on them, know what I mean?”
But some members, such as lois15354, point out that siblings already share germs anyway, so hand-me-down underwear is completely harmless: “ We hand down underwear. I can't see any reason why not… My husband and I are not exactly living in penury, but there are days when one of the kids will holler out that he's out of underpants, and I tell him to go get a pair out of his brother's drawer. Heck, they share a toilet, which I am dead sure is not exactly super hygienic all of the time … They pull toilet paper off the same roll. I'm quite clear on the fact that they are exposed to each other's fecal germs on a semi-regular basis.”
Are the grossed-out parents being too squeamish, too fearful of germs? Member anotherheater thinks so: “ If you sit on the same toilet seat as other people (even your own family members) then you are in contact with lots of germs right there on your hiney. Do you have a separate toilet seat for every member of your family? A separate washing machine? A separate hermetically-sealed spot for toothbruses? Are we truly so germaphobic that we can't be reasonable?”
Some iVillagers also point out one advantage of hand-me-down underwear: it’s good for the environment. Says member jennagreen: “I don't see anything wrong with [hand-me-down undies] as long as they are washed in hot water, bleached, and unstained. Hand-me-downs save money and are better for the environment. We are such a throwaway society!”
Parents, have your say. Do you let your younger kids use their siblings’ outgrown underwear? Do you think hand-me-down undies are a great way to re-use and recycle, or are they just plain unsanitary? Share your thoughts below.
It's the big question parents face at some point of every child’s life. And it’s at the core of the Great Santa Debate that has the iVillage boards buzzing. Should parents encourage children to believe in Santa? How do you know when it's time to let your children in on the big secret, and how should you do it?
Member twinjunebugs2000 recently shared her dilemma on the Ten-to-Fourteen-Year-Olds board: "[My son had not once] mentioned Santa this year. This has had me very curious about what is going on in his head, so I asked. He's having trouble believing that there really is a Santa. He says he's trying to keep that thought but he's having trouble grasping it (his exact words). I want to tell him so bad. Would I burst his bubble if I told him?"
Other members were also having the same "to tell or not to tell?" and "Santa or no Santa?" dilemmas, and the message boards show passionate and mixed views on the topic. Some members say perpetuating the Santa myth is dishonest, while others believe Santa is a big part of the magic of Christmas.
iVillage member woodbabe decided to tell his son the truth after he started questioning the existence of Santa: “I took him for a walk in the neighborhood so we wouldn't be overheard and I explained how [Santa] used to be a real man who left fruit and nuts in poor children's shoes. I explained how it was such a wonderful concept that others adopted it as a tradition … I then explained to him that now that he's old enough to know the truth, then he's old enough to be trusted to help keep the magic alive for the younger kids!”
Other members, such as mom_jen2003 from the April 2007 Playgroup, also believe in keeping the magic alive: “I see no harm in believing [in Santa]. Childhood is when magic is real. What a marvelous world this would be if we could all just believe in some magic. I just really hate spoilsports … I wasn't hurt by the realization that Santa’s gifts were from my parents. My dad explained that we all can be Santa--by leaving gifts for the toy drive, the nursing home, or homeless shelter, without asking for anything in exchange."
Many pro-Santa iVillagers point out, however, that it's important to let kids know that the jolly guy from the North Pole is not just what Christmas is about. Says member rathgr1th from the July 2008 Expecting Club: “I want my children to believe in magic and wonder for as long as they possibly can …[but] I don't want Santa to be the main focus of Christmas for my kids. I believe in the deeper story of Christmas. I don't plan on spoiling them with a heap of presents--trust me, the grandparents will see to that--but we set out cookies and milk for Santa, and maybe he'll bring them one present each, or fill their stockings--something small and fun."
But instead of downplaying Santa, is it better to just tell the children the truth from the beginning? Member julper thinks so: “I don't remember ever being really delighted about anything that Santa allegedly did, but I do remember being incredibly disillusioned when I found out he isn't real. Why is there this parental conspiracy to lie to children about Santa Claus? Who is it really benefiting? Wouldn't it be better if we were just up front and honest about Santa from the get-go?”
Member tasjay also remembers her disappointment upon learning of the truth about Santa: “ When I found out that Santa was not real, I was devastated. I started doubting EVERYTHING my parents had told me, INCLUDING my belief in JESUS. I was very relieved to hear that Jesus is real... but it was a blow to my trust in my parents' word. It healed later, but I promised myself that I would not do that to my children." She adds another reason to debunk the Santa myth: “We parents work our butts off during the year to ‘spoil’ the kids on Christmas (and an AWESOME spoiling it is) so why tell the kids someone they don't know from Adam brought them any kind of gift, when it was the parents who had to work at it to make it happen?”
Though the Santa debate will likely rage on for many more Christmases, parents all agree that telling the truth about Santa is not an easy task. Says member jaml66: “I was going to flat-out tell my oldest that there is no Santa, but I overheard him and his friends say how they liked the tingly feeling in their stomachs on Christmas Eve...”
iVillager merimom96 shares some thoughtful advice on broaching the subject: "When the child is trying to open up the conversation, the best thing is to be honest ... If it feels weird to do it right before Christmas, then do it in January. I think it helps if all the fun doesn't go away as soon as they know the truth. Create some special privileges for those old enough to be "in the know", [get him] to help fill siblings' stockings. Then share the real history, how generations of people have passed this down as something special for their children, and now he has the special privilege of being able to be a part of 'Santa's crew of helpers'."
Do you encourage your kids to believe in Santa Claus? At what age did you tell your kids the truth abut Santa, and how did you do it? Share your thoughts below.
Holidays are here again. If you need to take a break from the shopping, decorating, partying, and Secret Santa-ing, check out what’s burning up the iVillage message boards. From censored Santas to tinsel tension, iVillagers are buzzing about the holidays’ hot topics.
- The Nicole Kidman-starrer and fantasy epic “The Golden Compass” is one of the most anticipated movies of the holiday season, but it’s already being panned by critics and religious groups for allegedly promoting atheism. Members are debating the criticism at the always-buzzing In The News board. Some think this is just another case of groups reacting with an “unsubstantiated fear of a different belief,” while some are criticizing the film for “undermining Christian beliefs.” Are you taking the kids to see this movie?
- Some Santas in Sydney won’t be in such a jolly mood this year. Apparently, they have been warned to not to use the traditional “ho ho ho” greeting because it may be offensive to women and may frighten children. Many iVillagers, such as member kasiemay, think this is outright ridiculous. “People are now looking for ways to offended,” she says. “[They] need to get a grip and just let some things remain innocent.” What do you think?
- Who else is feeling stressed from all the hectic holiday preparations? On the Heart Health board, member lulaluva78 recently posted about her stressed out mom, and members offered their support. How do you keep sane and relaxed during the holidays?
- Release your inner Grinch and post about the holiday decorations you’re absolutely sick of. Some iVillagers have had enough of icicle lights and “PVC reindeer that look frighteningly skeletal by day and spring to life with the enough twinkle lights to pinpoint the yard on Google maps.” What are your holiday décor pet peeves?
- The Holiday Recipes & Entertaining board is chock-full of yummy ideas for a traditional Christmas breakfast—everything from puffy French toast to scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Get inspired and share your own Christmas morning traditions.
- Holiday shopping getting to you? How much thought and effort do you really put into your holiday gifts? Check out iVillagers’ stress-free gift ideas, and share your own!
- If you think that ugly sweater you got from your aunt last Chrsitmas was a cringe-worthy gift, check out these hilarious stories of “mis-givings” from fellow iVillagers. Teeth mold? Sod for the backyard? What was the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Share them here.
- ‘Tis the season for toys, and some moms have had enough of them! Over at the Military Families board, the list of most annoying toys ever is growing. What is the most annoying toy your child has ever received?
Whether you're feeling the tidings of joy this season or needing some holiday help, sign up for our Holiday Countdown. You'll get daily holiday tips that'll help you make the most of the season.
A MySpace hoax that ended with the suicide of a 13-year-old Missouri girl has sparked outrage across the country—and across the iVillage community. Reactions to the story were those of shock, disgust, and anger—anger at the parents involved in the hoax, and anger over the fact that no charges have been filed.
Megan Meier hanged herself in October of last year, just minutes after receiving mean messages on the social networking Web site. Her parents learned a few weeks after her death that their daughter, who thought she was communicating online with a 16-year-old boy, was being deceived. The "boy" was created by a mother down the street who wanted to know what Megan was saying about her own daughter, who had had a falling out with Megan.
Although authorities could not find a crime to charge anyone in Megan’s case, many iVillagers, such as snafu2007, believe the perpetrators of the hoax should be held responsible: “The parents who set up the fake MySpace account are criminals and should be punished for their crime against that girl. Since they created the circumstances by which that girl killed herself they are an accessory to that death. I am surprised that there are no statutes on the books in their state that covers this type of situation. This was no 'joke' or 'prank'. This was done to that girl with malice."
Member jamieandlukesmom agrees: "This parent should be held accountable. I agree with what [Megan's] parents said. It's just like this parent put the gun in her hand and had shot her herself. Parents just need to mind their own business when it comes to female squabbles in high school, unless they get out of control."
A number of iVillagers, however, point out that those involved in the hoax may not be criminally liable. Member uk_momof2 weighs in: "I am really on the fence on [the question of whether criminal charges should be filed], since you can't judge a person's conduct solely on the outcome— if the child had laughed it off, would her behavior have been criminal? The courts have been fairly strict in the definition of "intentional infliction of emotional distress" (which I am assuming this would fall under) to separate it from mere bad manners and hurt feelings. Certainly, the parents behavior goes beyond bad manners, but does it rise to the level of criminal?"
Should there be reforms in existing law related to child endangerment and Internet harassment? Many think so. skybroken, who works with teens with depression and ADD, remarked, "The law needs to catch up to technology. For the adults that knew her, and knew her condition, to do that... they should have to bear some responsibility for their cruelty." Member mommagemma agrees: "This is despicable. Cyber harassment should be a crime, because after all, making prank phone calls is a crime; the only difference is the technology that is being used."
For some parents, the tragedy brings up once again the issue of child safety on the Internet. cl-tchav7 says, " I think it's deplorable that there are young children on [sites like MySpace] and there are no checks and balances to keep up with that. I honestly think that, if it has to exist, the age limit should be 18, and the age should be verified by using a credit card number (not necessarily charging the card, but validating the person's age)."
In the subject of bullying, mandeesita offers some thoughtful advice for parents: "I think, as parents, it's our responsibility to teach our kids, not only to not say mean things about others, but that other people are going to try and say hurtful things about us, and it's important to not let it get overwhelming."
What do you think? Should charges be against the adults involved in the hoax? What precautions do you take to keep your child safe online?
