Lawmakers outlaw Internet harassment after teen suicide

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Lawmakers outlaw Internet harassment after teen suicide

By Brad Belote

Story Created: May 16, 2008

Story Updated: May 16, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have approved a bill that makes Internet harassment illegal.

The bill is a response to the suicide of a St. Charles County
teen who was teased over the Internet. It updates state laws
against harassment by removing the requirement that the
communication be written or by telephone.

Supporters say the bill now covers harassment through computers, text messages and other electronic devices. It now goes to Governor Blunt for approval.

The bill was prompted by the suicide of a suicide of a suburban St. Louis girl.

Police said Megan Meier hanged herself in 2006 after being teased on a social networking Web site. A neighborhood mother was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in the case.



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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