THUNDER BAY – It is a haunting video. Amanda Todd, a young woman from British Columbia posted her story on You Tube. It is a terrible tale of bullying.
“I’m struggling to stay in this world, because everything just touches me so deeply. I’m not doing this for attention. I’m doing this to be an inspiration and to show that I can be strong. I did things to myself to make pain go away, because I’d rather hurt myself then someone else. Haters are haters but please don’t hate, although im sure I’ll get them. I hope I can show you guys that everyone has a story, and everyones future will be bright one day, you just gotta pull through. I’m still here aren’t I ?” -Amanda Todd
Amanda Todd posted her story online on Youtube on September 7, 2012.
RCMP in British Columbia first reported, “Just before 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10th the Coquitlam RCMP were called to a Port Coquitlam residence to investigate the sudden death of a teenager. At this time it has been determined that the teen’s death was not suspicious in nature and that foul play was not a factor”.
As the investigation continued, the RCMP updated the story. “Serious crime teams in Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows are working together, conducting interviews and reviewing any potential contributing factors to her death, says Sergeant Peter Thiessen, spokesperson for Lower Mainland District RCMP Regional Police Service.
Thiessen says “Investigators are also reviewing and actively monitoring social media, and that Coquitlam Detachment’s victim services remain engaged with the teen’s family. This is a devastating tragedy, which impacts the community as a whole. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of this young person”.
Sgt. Thiessen acknowledges that there is significant concern within schools, the community and the broader public regarding the role bullying could have played in this incident, but says it is too soon for police to comment on this issue in regard to Amanda’s tragic death. However, BC RCMP has publicly stated in the past that bullying ranks second, behind substance abuse, for youth issues identified as concerns by our detachments. Sgt. Thiessen reminds the community that many can play a role in helping to keep schools bully free and to report any acts of bullying or assist those who are victims of bullying.
