The topic of bullying, including in particular cyberbullying and sexting, has recently been discussed in the school community within Peace River School Division (PRSD).
As such, two presentations on the subject were held at Grimshaw Public School and Manning’s Paul Rowe School on October 2 & 3, 2017.
Carol Todd holds up a picture of her daughter Amanda. The 15-year-old took her own life in 2012 due to cyberbullying. (Photo/PRSD)
On the PRSD website, Superintendent Paul Bennett says that as the amount of time youth spend online increases, as to does the various social media platforms that are available.
“The presentations were open to students from Grades 8 to 12,” said Bennett. “As well, parents and guardians were also welcome to attend both the school and community presentations.”
A third presentation is set to go on October 4, 2017, at Fairview High School.
The guest speaker at this event is Carol Todd, whose daughter, 15-year-old Amanda, took her own live in 2012 after relentless cyber-bullying and harassment.
Since then, Bennett says that been working to create greater awareness and understanding surrounding bullying, mental health and cyber safety.
“She founded the Amanda Todd Legacy Foundation in 2012,” he said. “Since then, she’s provided presentations for various schools and organizations in Canada, the United States and Europe.”
Prior to each presentation, each parent and guardian was required to sign a consent form before they could allow their child to participate. Bennett says it was due to the sensitive nature of this topic, as well as the tragedy involved.
A video Amanda created prior to her passing was also shown at each presentation. A link to it can be found by clicking here.
– Posted by BET
