I read the story about Amanda Todd in Coquitlam. Amanda was consistently the victim of online harassment, and eventually succumbed to her bullying by taking her own life (B.C. Teenager Who Posted Anti-Bullying Video Kills Herself, The Daily News, Oct. 12). No child should ever have to feel that alone.
No one else’s child should have the right to make another feel so incredibly alone and horrible, to the point that they no longer want to live.
As a child, and even as an adult, I was the victim of bullying at school, home and online. In my neighborhood. No one fully understands the extent of these actions until it’s too late.
So my question to some out there is this. Why are people not being more proactive, instead of waiting for such a senseless tragedy to happen?
These kids cry out for help, and nothing happens. Wait, no that isn’t entirely true.
We do have resources out there which can assist. However, due to governmentt cutbacks eight times out of 10 there are wait lists to see mental health experts. Children who are being bullied need help now, not in, say, three to six months from now.
By then it’s too late.
We need to be more proactive for these children. We also need to take a look at ourselves as parents as well. According to statistics, bullying is either a learned behaviour — the child is being abused or bullied at home — or it’s something pushed on them by their so-called peers.
Folks, we need to start at home. We need to teach our children that no matter what, we all bleed the same colour. We all cry. We all hurt.
No one should ever be made to feel this lost, this alone. I am so sorry that this innocent girl thought suicide was the only way out. I really do hope her death is not in vain.
As well, those who have been bullied or abused by so-called peers remember this. You are never alone.
There is always someone you can talk to. Even if it’s just a teacher, a co-worker or friends. Suicide should never be an option for you.
Please speak up if this is happening to you. Bullying needs to end here and now. This is coming from someone who has been bullied, who has been there, and who has triumphed above it.
You can do this.
A. MESZAROS
Kamloops
