I feel for her and her family. As I look at my own daughter a sense of anger comes up. When will people do more about the actual bullies? All the guidlines seem to focus on the victim. This isn't right. Parents with children being bullied should go to the police. Report assult! The victims are the only ones that obviously need counselling. My opinion is quite clear, you bully = your out. Find a new school....try and learn from your actions and treat the people at your new school with some respect. It's so unfair that the victims seem to have to uproot their lives because of mallicious acts my others!
by EmilyZ.10/12/2012 3:54:14 PM
Such an unnecessary death, I feel for her family and hope they can put in place ways to stop and prevent bullying. There is absolutely no room for this kind of cruelty.
by trixi1110/12/2012 3:58:24 PM
This is absolutely devastating. Teenagers can be cruel, but this is beyond cruel to something far more dangerous. Those who contributed to this untimely tragedy would be wise to acquaint themselves with the concept of karma.
by amfontaine10/12/2012 3:58:27 PM
Depressing yet unfortunately all too common. Sign of the times though - as a victim of bullying myself, I am all too aware as to how vicious teenagers can be. However, I feel that this is a symptom of a much larger societal problem, namely the breakdown in traditional family structures. A common trend that I am noticing with today's bullying victims as well as with bullies is that many of these children do not have strong enough relationships with their families, largely for economic reasons. I survived my junior-high years - largely because I had a very supportive family at home whom I could talk to. It seems apparent from the video that Amanda came from a broken home and although the parents did their best to help her, were ultimately unable to provide her with the necessary attention and love required for a vulnerable teenager. Society needs to take a long look in the mirror and really think about re-assessing its priorities. Let Amanda not have died in vain. #RIP
by Yegguy10/12/2012 3:58:38 PM
being a teen ain't easy. being a teen girl is even harder. young ladies, you need to watch out for each other. #dayofthegirl #RIPAmandaTodd
stop your kids from accessing to Facebook and others.
by CC10/12/2012 4:07:19 PM
First my sincere condolences to her memory & family! Sadly bullying is in all aspects of life work and play, the youth are more vunerable due to a lack of coping skills or support. Seeing her video is sad but paints a picture of who she is and what happened. Before computers in my day we were told "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!" not much comfort there! Yet we had those who were picked on but those of us with empathy would be-friend and support them. We even once sent jewlery and a note how we secretly admired them for thier strength. But todays kids seem quite cruel as a male I just beat the be-jesus out of any bullies who tried to offend me or my family but for answers these days I can't say. Life required thick skin so try to live long enough to develope these coping skills and life will get better is my best advice.
by sharpy10/12/2012 4:37:47 PM
I know bullies aren't a new thing, but these kids are frigging monsters. Zero empathy for one another. Where does that come from? And that nobody reached out to her breaks my heart. I was bullied as a kid and it has had a lasting effect on my self-confidence and even my social behaviour.
I'm really sorry kid. This world let you down.
by Ottawan10/12/2012 4:37:52 PM
What I find stunning a is not just how unspeakably cruel people can be, or the pain this child endured over one mistake, but Facebook’s role in all this. Interesting how quick they are pulling pictures of mothers nursing their babies off their website, but the exposed chest of a underage female used as an avatar is okay? There is nothing more sad then a young person feeling no hope and no way out of their situation. Thing is most teenage kids will not open up to adults – parents, relatives, teachers etc. We need to be engaged with our kids but also look to their peers and impress upon them the importance of supporting your friends and fighting back against this. They have the power.
by T.W10/12/2012 6:09:48 PM
This is among the saddest stories I've heard in years. Her death is a tragedy, moreso because it was entirely preventable.
I'm very glad the G&M disabled comments on this story, beyond this real-time comment system. The comments directed at Amanda Todd, and the lack of compassion, empathy and victim-blaming is sickening. If you want to know why people bully, it's that mentality. That somehow because you make a mistake, you deserve whatever bullying may come your way.
by KDR197910/12/2012 6:09:53 PM
I hope people who targeted- which should be well known are charged with manslaughter. I am beyond sorry for her loss, I just want everyone to know that it does get better. Once you are done highschool and on to University/college or whatever you choose to do the bullying stops. There is no such thing as "popularity" you find those with whom you find common ground and it stops. I feel for her parents, family and friends; all of whom are asking themselves the unasnwered questions of "what if" and "what could I have done to stop this". This is so tragic, Heaven gained a beautiful angel..
by catalinablu10/12/2012 6:09:58 PM
This has got to stop - this girl cried out and no one helped her - you are all guilty. how evil -
by jimbyejim@gmail.com10/12/2012 6:10:01 PM
Please, this must STOP! What can I do to help? Amanda deserved so much more.