That was an excellent discussion today, class. I hope it was useful for you!

Here's a three minute video from the RCMP (Canada's federal police force) about cyber-bullying. This website also includes the text used in the video (the transcript).

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/video/cyber-video-eng.htm

One of most heart-breaking victims of bullying and cyber-bullying was Canadian Amanda Todd, who committed suicide in 2012. Amanda made a YouTube video of herself -- telling her story by holding up written notes in front of the camera. She does not talk but this is powerful and disturbing account of what bullying can do to a young person's life. Amanda describes "cutting," which involves someone cutting themselves with a knife or razor blade to inflict self-hurt.

Here's part of the Wikipedia page on Amanda Todd:

Amanda Michelle Todd (November 27, 1996 – October 10, 2012) killed herself at the age of 15 at her home in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Prior to her death, Todd had posted a video on YouTube in which she used a series of flash cards to tell her experience of being blackmailed into exposing her breasts via webcam; bullied; and physically assaulted. The video went viral after her death, resulting in international media attention. The video has had more than 17 million views as of April 2014. The RCMP and British Columbia Coroners Service launched investigations into the suicide.

In response to the death, BC Premier Christy Clark made an online statement of condolence and suggested a national discussion on criminalizing cyber-bullying.  


Please don't watch this video if you are easily upset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWTLVz10vFE