Cyberbullying is a big problem in the United States, so why not stop it now by making it a criminal offense? Cyberbullying should be a criminal offense because whether it is bullying or cyberbullying, it still harms a person emotionally and physically. It should also be a criminal offense because children, adolescents and even adults take their own lives or conduct them in an unfortunate manner because of the harsh words of another person or group. Laws regarding cyberbullying tend to be vague, but with the criminal offense the government can define what exactly should be considered bullying and what will be punished, making things easier to regulate and even putting an end to cyberbullying once and for all. Cyberbullying is still a type of bullying that harms people, kills and scars their lives and is too strong for weak laws, but can end in a criminal offense. Cyberbullying should be a criminal offense because, whether it is bullying or cyberbullying, it still harms a person emotionally and physically. Of course, many will argue that forcing perpetrators behind bars is crossing the line, when it's not even bullying, but vulgar words thrown around on social sites. However, there is no difference between cyberbullying and offline bullying when it is still a problem that constantly devours its victims, abusing them with offensive words and messages. “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services calculated rates of bullying victims, where 37% of teens were victims of physical bullying, while 52% of teens were victims of cyberbullying” (Cyber/Bullying Statistics). The studies shown indicate that there were more cases of cyberbullying than offline bullying, while people believe that "cyberbullying is not real bullying" and "you need to speak up in that... middle of paper..." Further offending , fewer teens will be victims of cyberbullying because of laws created to combat cyberbullying, which potential cyberbullies would likely think twice about before sending hateful messages. Government legislators, school administrators and other adults must step up their efforts to prevent cyberbullying, and criminal prosecution is the answer. In conclusion, cyberbullying should be a crime because it is still an act of bullying, which causes self-abuse and harm to the victims. It has led to anxiety, depression and even the lives of many child, adolescent and adult victims. The laws related to cyberbullying are not strict enough and have not helped in any way, but everything can change with the criminal offense. Cyberbullying is dangerous, but there is something that can turn the situation around: the criminal offense, an act that can put an end to cyberbullying.