Amanda Todd’s mother is stunned by how “shockingly similar” the story of Rehtaeh Parsons’ bullying and suicide are to the tragic death of her own daughter seven months ago.
Last fall, Amanda Todd took her life two weeks after posting a heartbreaking video in which she describes becoming the target of online sexual exploitation and stalking.
Todd’s mother, Carol, has since become an advocate against teen bullying and online exploitation. Carol Todd says she was crushed when she heard of Rehtaeh Parsons’ suicide.
“The first thing that went through my head was, ‘Oh my goodness, not another person,’” Todd told CTV’s Canada AM Thursday from her home in Port Coquitlam, B.C.
“I would say that my heart bottomed out, because the stories were just so similar. It just rang through my body. It brought back all those memories again from last October.”
Todd says she immediately went to the Facebook page that Parsons’ mother had set up. On the page, Parsons describes the torment Rehtaeh had endured in the year and half after an alleged gang rape by four teens at her school.
Todd says the details of both their daughters’ stories were “shockingly similar.”
“It was just like reading my story. It was emotionally challenging,” Todd said
Todd said she felt compelled to write a note on the page to Parsons’ mum.
“Basically, what I said was I was so sorry and that it was a big loss. And from one mom to another, I could feel the pain she was going through -- and will go through,” Todd said.
“I offered that when she was ready – if and when – if she wanted, she could contact me via Facebook. And we could share our stories.”
Rehtaeh Parsons’ story is evidence that kids are not getting the message about how emotionally damaging bullying can be – and about the dangers of taking that bullying to the Internet, Todd said.
“I think kids forget way too easy… The discussions need to continue in the family situation and the school situation.
“It needs to encompass social media education, that what goes on the Internet stays on the Internet... It’s there forever and it damages lives.”
Todd says it seems that it’s only when something tragic happens that teens are reminded of what effects their bullying can have.
“Unfortunately, tragic stories need to be shared. Kids need to learn from the experiences of other families, unfortunately -- that if you do this, this can happen. So you need to stop and think.”
As she continues to advocate for changes in her daughter's name, Todd said that she has found strength from all those who’ve reached out to her since her daughter’s death to say they support her and her family.
“I’ve found those who want to encourage me and support me in advocating for youth bullying and youth mental health and sexual exploitation,” Todd said. “ So I gain strength from all those people and that Amanda’s tragedy is making a difference in this world.”
