Tragic death of Phoebe Prince hastens need for bullying legislation

What happened to poor Phoebe is inexcusable. It is NOT a part of the "socialization process," as Mplass88 put it. What this young girl endured was not just a bit of ribbing, but rather sheer abuse. No one should have to quietly accept such mistreatment. I will not be even close to satisfied unless the people (if one can call such brutes people) responsible for tormenting Phoebe to death are prosecuted. Sadly, this is not an American problem, as some short - sighted individuals on this site wish to make it out to be. I lived in Ireland for a number of years when I was younger, and I received similar treatment from a handful until I moved. There are rotten apples everywhere, but they do not have to spoil the entire bunch.

Mike Joyc: What happened to this Phoebe is deplorable, but shouldn't be criminal. Bullying is a part of growing up--a part of the socialization process. As for America being a '...dog eat dog country devoid of social conscience," let me ask you this: what country has contributed over $100 million in aid to Haiti? Which country contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to tsunami survivors? Which country has come to the aid of oppressed people everywhere, while Europeans (and Canadians) looked on digitally stimulating their rectums? America doesn't want healthcare and the majority of Americans are opposed to paying for the healthcare of other individuals. Sorry for living in a country that believes in individualism. Continue to hate America....please move out. I despise Canadians more than any other nationality, because you guys seem to think that you're better than America just because you run small budget surpluses. Canada is a shit hole that seeks to emulate America in almost every way, and for the most part fails. Be original.

Wow, Tommy from Clare. What sympathy you have for other "victims." This country is not what you make it. It is a dog-eat-dog country devoid of social conscience. 35 million Americans without health care, about to be disappointed again. It's no wonder a little girl from a relatively innocent country moved to this culture and was eaten alive. I'm Canadian, lived in Dublin for five years, lived in America for five and can't wait to get out of this unsympathetic, unchristian, brutally selfish society. I plan to move back to Canada, the U.K., Ireland or any other civilized, caring nation that doesn't chew the poor up and spit them out. This country hates the unsuccessful and the weak. I am neither and I could flourish here but I choose to be a caring human being and leave the love of profit above all else. I understand Ireland was evil to you but America is evil to millions. Stay if you're rich and lack sympathy for others. MIke

jjtakala then don't! go back to wherever you came from. if you don't want to be american, get the hell out of here. at least you are free to do so. I was born in Kilkenny, raised in an orphanage in Newcastle West (St. Ita's Home). I am so greatful to be here. This country is what you make it. You want to be a victim, be a victim. But don't pull this "...ashamed to be an American..." stuff. Remember, you DON'T have to be an American. But I sure am glad I am. My heart aches for this little girl and her family. I hope they get justice. These little monsters are going to be punished. The outrage that has arisen will see to that.

It's not just females that are subjected to bullying. My sixteen year old nephew is being bullied at the moment. He broke up with his girlfriend of the same age and she's targeting his circle of friends with malicious stories about him. With all his friends against him, he will have to find new ones. He has just about given up his social networking account (Facebook). Whilst he is an outgoing personality, he will be able to make new ones. Not everyone can or is in the position like him to do so. They might not have such supportive or knowledgeable families. He's also changing schools. That in itself might not be practicable for many. May I say thank you here to "kickstar" for posting the Jan 26th comment. I was personally bullied at school. Whilst I was smarter than lots(A and B grades) and pretty, being bullied I was made to feel a loser. I.e. "There's something wrong with you." Like I said above, my nephew has support; people who understand him. Many others do not. I never felt I did.

This is dreadful and yes there has to be harsher punishment for bullies, and for their adult guardians. The bullies should have to serve some amount of juvenile detention, the sentence set according to the severity of their bullying. They will grow up to be bullies breeding even more bullies at best. Criminals and murderers at worst.

OK IrishAndProud fair enough, The thing to do with Bullies is to Prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

I have found that generally it is not the average child or adult that gets bullied, Instead it is the Talented, Skilled or just downright Special people who suffer this noxious treatment, Also generally the Bully is a person who is challenged mentally and socially and one who tries to cover their own inadequacies by lashing out at others. It is tragic though that we are still losing Children in the second decade of the 21st Century from this puerile yet deadly behavior.

First I have to say that I am totally ashamed to call myself an American! It's not my place to do so, But I am very sorry for the loss of Phobe Prince, I know what she felt, I felt the same when I was growing up in this god forsaken land. And there was more than one occasion where I considered taking my own life. Backed into a corner singled out beat down and tortured, It's terribly overwhelming. I am sorry that this country which I am unfortunately a part of is so horribly messed up, It is no wonder to me why Americans are hated the world over! I am so angry that I am forced to say that if Phobe had been my daughter, her tormentors would already be dead!