- Father demands cyberbullying criminalization
- Mia Janin faced school, online harassment
- Urges law, social media accountability
Cyberbullying, according to the father of a girl who committed suicide, should be criminalized to safeguard children.
Before Mia Janin’s death at the age of 14 in March 2021, her parents were unaware that students at her London school were using social media to harass her.
Father Mariano Janin stated that new legislation was required for the issue to affect worldwide and said that “greater vigilance is required, and I wish for the system to function.”
The body of Mia was discovered at the residence of her Harrow family one day after she recommenced her studies at Jewish Free School (JFS) after the resumption of Covid-19 confinement measures.
Her parents began to piece together evidence that she was being harassed in person and on social media by a group of male students after her death.
Mia wrote in a voice message to a friend the evening before her death, “Tomorrow will be difficult; I am mentally preparing myself by taking deep breaths in and out.” Presently, I am engaging in cognitive preparations to face bullying tomorrow.
There is no specific legislation in the United Kingdom about cyberbullying or bullying, and courts apply other legal provisions concerning malicious communications and harassment.
Advocating for Safer Online Spaces
Mr. Janin stated on the program, “I believe that action must be taken to combat intimidation. We must revise the current legislation regarding abuse to comprehend and implement effective measures.
He continued, “We must instill in our children normal values, such as compassion, acceptance, and understanding; furthermore, social media must have some sort of legal boundaries.”
Mr. Janin has previously advocated for increased access to the social media accounts of deceased children’s bereaved parents so that they may assist in the investigation of the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
He stated, “I am aware that many young people continue to suffer; in a developed nation and society, our children should not be dying over this ridiculous subject or matter.”
Esther Ghey, whose 16-year-old daughter Brianna Ghey was murdered in February 2023, stated last month that she believed under-16s should not have access to social media on their smartphones.
When queried about that proposition, Mr. Janin responded, “I completely comprehend her position, as I initially felt the same way; however, it is akin to re-entrapping the genie in the bottle.”
“We must develop an acceptance of this technology.” This is an international phenomenon that is not limited to England.
While I am seated in London, another parent is likely doing the same in Milan, San Francisco, or Buenos Aires simultaneously.
Mr. Janin expressed his conviction that the newly enacted Online Safety Bill, passed in October 2023 to enhance child safety on the internet, might serve as an initial stride towards substantial transformation.
Marisa, Mia’s mother, passed away four months after her demise as a result of an aneurysm and leukemia.
When asked how he had assimilated his loss, Mr. Janin responded, “I believe I am capable of accepting what transpired; however, I do not think I will comprehend it.
“I acknowledge that it has occurred to me; I currently reside in an empty house with a small dog; previously, I had a family consisting of a wife and a daughter.
“That I acknowledge as my reality.” “I am unable to flee from this situation.”
Mr. Janin also expressed grave concerns regarding how the school investigated the mistreatment that transpired after his daughter’s passing.
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“Following Mia’s tragic death, all information under the school’s possession was transferred to the Metropolitan Police to aid in their investigation,” a JFS spokesperson responded.
“The educational institution has provided unrestricted access to all of its systems throughout the investigation.” Our continued concern remains with the family, unchanged from the past.”
The North London coroner issued a report to JFS earlier this week, urging its leadership to take additional measures to prevent future fatalities caused by abuse, specifically the targeting of female students by males.
Although the report acknowledged revising school policies, it claimed that “certain JFS female students do not seem to have gained confidence in the new initiatives.”
Mr. Janin approved the coroner’s intervention and maintained his “concern regarding the school’s insufficient and ongoing efforts.”
“The school, and all schools, must take their responsibilities towards our children considerably more seriously,” he continued.
“A single death is an excessive number of deaths.” “This culture of deliberate ignorance must immediately and significantly evolve.”
A JFS spokesperson responded that the witness statements cited by the coroner were from early 2021 and “do not reflect the institution as it is today.”
They added that Ofsted discovered in April 2022 that students felt comfortable reporting bullying incidents to faculty.
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