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| charges = Indecent assault and child pornography (Netherlands)<ref name="Suspect">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140421074026/http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/dutch-mans-case-linked-to-amanda-todd Dutch man's case linked to Amanda Todd], ''MSN.com'', 18 April 2014, Hainsworth, J., Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> |
| charges = Indecent assault and child pornography (Netherlands)<ref name="Suspect">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140421074026/http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/dutch-mans-case-linked-to-amanda-todd Dutch man's case linked to Amanda Todd], ''MSN.com'', 18 April 2014, Hainsworth, J., Retrieved 18 April 2014.</ref> |
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'''Amanda Michelle Todd''' (November 27, 1996 – October 10, 2012),<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cahute|first1=Larissa|title=Amanda Todd: Hundreds hear tributes from family, friends, teachers|url= |
'''Amanda Michelle Todd''' (November 27, 1996 – October 10, 2012),<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cahute|first1=Larissa|title=Amanda Todd: Hundreds hear tributes from family, friends, teachers|url=https://theprovince.com/news/Amanda+Todd+Hundreds+hear+tributes+from+family+friends+teachers/7568025/story.html|accessdate=November 13, 2016|work=[[The Province]]|date=November 19, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120112208/http://www.theprovince.com/news/Amanda+Todd+Hundreds+hear+tributes+from+family+friends+teachers/7568025/story.html|archivedate=November 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Martins|first1=Monisha|title=Amanda Todd celebrated in 'the birthday party she wanted'|url=http://www.tricitynews.com/news/179887911.html|accessdate=November 13, 2016|work=[[Tri-City News]]|date=November 18, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216054345/http://www.tricitynews.com/news/179887911.html|archivedate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> was a 15-year-old Canadian student and victim of [[cyberbullying]] who committed [[suicide]] by [[hanging]] at her home in [[Port Coquitlam]], a city in the province of [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]. Before her death, Todd 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,<ref name="Suspect" /> and of being bullied and physically assaulted. The video went [[Viral video|viral]] after her death,<ref name="cbccareport">{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/11/18/bc-amanda-todd-celebration-of-life.html |title=Amanda Todd tribute honours life of bullied teen |place=Calgary, CA |publisher=[[CBC.ca|CBC]] |work=News |date=November 18, 2012 |accessdate=November 24, 2012 |quote=After she died, the video gained worldwide recognition and registered more than six million hits, and copies of the video re-posted to YouTube have since gained at least 16 million additional hits. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121030651/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/11/18/bc-amanda-todd-celebration-of-life.html |archivedate=November 21, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> resulting in international media attention. The video has had more than 12 million views as of August 2018.<ref name="Suspect" /> The [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] and British Columbia Coroners Service launched investigations into the suicide. |
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In response to her death, [[Christy Clark]], the [[Premier of British Columbia]], made an online statement of condolence and suggested a national discussion on criminalizing [[cyberbullying]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RCMP launch investigation into death of bullied BC teen|place=CA|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rcmp-launch-investigation-into-death-of-bullied-b-c-teen-1.993029|accessdate=October 13, 2012|newspaper=CTV News|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013030309/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rcmp-launch-investigation-into-death-of-bullied-b-c-teen-1.993029|archivedate=October 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=After Amanda Todd's death, Christy Clark says new laws may be needed to combat bullying|url= |
In response to her death, [[Christy Clark]], the [[Premier of British Columbia]], made an online statement of condolence and suggested a national discussion on criminalizing [[cyberbullying]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RCMP launch investigation into death of bullied BC teen|place=CA|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rcmp-launch-investigation-into-death-of-bullied-b-c-teen-1.993029|accessdate=October 13, 2012|newspaper=CTV News|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013030309/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rcmp-launch-investigation-into-death-of-bullied-b-c-teen-1.993029|archivedate=October 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=After Amanda Todd's death, Christy Clark says new laws may be needed to combat bullying|url=https://vancouversun.com/life/After+Amanda+Todd+death+Christy+Clark+says+laws+needed+combat/7384108/story.html|publisher=Vancouver Sun|accessdate=October 13, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015002318/http://www.vancouversun.com/life/After+Amanda+Todd+death+Christy+Clark+says+laws+needed+combat/7384108/story.html|archivedate=October 15, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Also, a motion was introduced in the Canadian House of Commons to propose a study of the scope of bullying in Canada, and for more funding and support for anti-bullying organizations. Todd's mother Carol established the Amanda Todd Trust, receiving donations to support anti-bullying awareness education and programs for young people with mental health problems. |
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==Background and suicide== |
==Background and suicide== |
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A year later, Todd's blackmailer reappeared, creating a [[Facebook]] profile that used the topless photo as its profile image and contacting classmates at her new school.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> Again Todd was teased, eventually changing schools for a second time.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> She wrote that she began chatting to "an old guy friend" who contacted her.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> The friend invited Todd to his house, where they had sex while his girlfriend was on holiday.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Villalva|first=Brittney R.|title=Amanda Todd: 15-Year-Old Tells Story of Bullying and Suicide Before Death|url=http://global.christianpost.com/news/amanda-todd-15-year-old-tells-story-of-bullying-and-suicide-before-death-video-83253/|work=The Christian Post|accessdate=October 16, 2012|date=October 14, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130102192909/http://global.christianpost.com/news/amanda-todd-15-year-old-tells-story-of-bullying-and-suicide-before-death-video-83253/|archivedate=January 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The following week, the boy's girlfriend and a group of about 15 others confronted Todd at school, shouting insults, with the boy's girlfriend punching her;<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> Todd fell to the ground, then lay in a ditch, where her father found her.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> After the attack, Todd attempted suicide by drinking bleach, but survived after being rushed to hospital to have her stomach pumped.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /><ref name="CNNVideo" /> "It killed me inside and I thought I was gonna actully{{sic}} die", Todd commented in her video.<ref name="Fox" /><ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> |
A year later, Todd's blackmailer reappeared, creating a [[Facebook]] profile that used the topless photo as its profile image and contacting classmates at her new school.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> Again Todd was teased, eventually changing schools for a second time.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> She wrote that she began chatting to "an old guy friend" who contacted her.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> The friend invited Todd to his house, where they had sex while his girlfriend was on holiday.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Villalva|first=Brittney R.|title=Amanda Todd: 15-Year-Old Tells Story of Bullying and Suicide Before Death|url=http://global.christianpost.com/news/amanda-todd-15-year-old-tells-story-of-bullying-and-suicide-before-death-video-83253/|work=The Christian Post|accessdate=October 16, 2012|date=October 14, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130102192909/http://global.christianpost.com/news/amanda-todd-15-year-old-tells-story-of-bullying-and-suicide-before-death-video-83253/|archivedate=January 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The following week, the boy's girlfriend and a group of about 15 others confronted Todd at school, shouting insults, with the boy's girlfriend punching her;<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> Todd fell to the ground, then lay in a ditch, where her father found her.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> After the attack, Todd attempted suicide by drinking bleach, but survived after being rushed to hospital to have her stomach pumped.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /><ref name="CNNVideo" /> "It killed me inside and I thought I was gonna actully{{sic}} die", Todd commented in her video.<ref name="Fox" /><ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> |
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After returning home, Todd discovered abusive messages about her suicide attempt posted to Facebook.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> In March 2012, her family moved to another city to start afresh, but Todd was unable to escape the past.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> According to her mother, "Every time she moved schools he would go undercover and become a Facebook friend. What the guy did was he went online to the kids who went to [the new school] and said that he was going to be a new student — that he was starting school the following week and that he wanted some friends and could they friend him on Facebook. He eventually gathered people's names and sent Todd's video to her new school", including students, teachers and parents.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
After returning home, Todd discovered abusive messages about her suicide attempt posted to Facebook.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> In March 2012, her family moved to another city to start afresh, but Todd was unable to escape the past.<ref name="Video" /><ref name="Transcript" /> According to her mother, "Every time she moved schools he would go undercover and become a Facebook friend. What the guy did was he went online to the kids who went to [the new school] and said that he was going to be a new student — that he was starting school the following week and that he wanted some friends and could they friend him on Facebook. He eventually gathered people's names and sent Todd's video to her new school", including students, teachers and parents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/Amanda+Todd+speaks+about+daughter+death/7384521/story.html|title=Amanda Todd's mother speaks out about her daughter, bullying (with video)|author=Gillian Shaw|date=October 14, 2012|work=Vancouver Sun|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031121155/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Amanda+Todd+speaks+about+daughter+death/7384521/story.html|archivedate=October 31, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Six months later, further messages and abuse were still being posted to social networking sites. With Todd's mental state worsening, she began to engage in [[Self-harm|self-mutilation]] and cutting.<ref name="Transcript" /> Despite taking her prescribed antidepressants and receiving counseling, she overdosed and was hospitalized for two days.<ref name="Transcript" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Keneally|first=Meghan|title=Tragedy as girl, 15, kills herself just one month after posting desperate YouTube plea begging bullies to stop tormenting her|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2216543/Amanda-Todd-Canadian-teen-kills-desperate-video-plea-begging-bullies-stop.html|publisher=Daily Mail|accessdate=October 13, 2012|location=London|date=October 12, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121013084629/http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2216543/Amanda-Todd-Canadian-teen-kills-desperate-video-plea-begging-bullies-stop.html|archivedate=October 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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Todd was taunted by other students at her school for her low grades, a consequence of a [[language-based learning disability]], and for the time she spent in hospital to treat her severe depression.<ref name="VancouverSun">{{cite news|last=Shaw|first=Gillian|title='She shared everything with me': Amanda Todd's mother talks about her life with her daughter|url= |
Todd was taunted by other students at her school for her low grades, a consequence of a [[language-based learning disability]], and for the time she spent in hospital to treat her severe depression.<ref name="VancouverSun">{{cite news|last=Shaw|first=Gillian|title='She shared everything with me': Amanda Todd's mother talks about her life with her daughter|url=https://vancouversun.com/health/shared+everything+with+Amanda+Todd+mother+talks+about+life/7419475/story.html|accessdate=October 21, 2012|newspaper=vancouversun.com|date=October 20, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022210457/http://www.vancouversun.com/health/shared+everything+with+Amanda+Todd+mother+talks+about+life/7419475/story.html|archivedate=October 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> "It didn't really help that after she got out of the hospital recently some kids started calling her 'psycho' and saying she had been in the crazy hospital," her mother said. "She went to the hospital, she had therapy, she had counseling, she was on a good track. On the day she gets out, that happens. I shake my head and I think, 'Are kids really that nasty, do they really not think, what if it was them?'"<ref name="VancouverSun" /> |
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On October 10, 2012, at about 6:00 PM ([[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]), Todd was found hanging at her home.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/amanda-todd-suicide-girls-mum-1379909|title=Amanda Todd: Suicide girl's mum reveals more harrowing details of cyber bullying campaign that drove her daughter to her death|last=Bleaney|first=Rob|date=2012-10-15|work=mirror|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Port Coquitlam teen driven to death by cyberbullying (with video)|url= |
On October 10, 2012, at about 6:00 PM ([[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]), Todd was found hanging at her home.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/amanda-todd-suicide-girls-mum-1379909|title=Amanda Todd: Suicide girl's mum reveals more harrowing details of cyber bullying campaign that drove her daughter to her death|last=Bleaney|first=Rob|date=2012-10-15|work=mirror|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Port Coquitlam teen driven to death by cyberbullying (with video)|url=https://montrealgazette.com/technology/Port+Coquitlam+teen+driven+death+cyberbullying+with+video/7375941/story.html|accessdate=October 15, 2012|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=October 12, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015020557/http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Port+Coquitlam+teen+driven+death+cyberbullying+with+video/7375941/story.html|archivedate=October 15, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> At the time of her death, Todd was a [[Tenth grade|grade 10]] student<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news |author=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/10/12/canadian-teen-found-dead-weeks-after-posting-wrenching-youtube-video-detailing/ |title=Canadian teen found dead weeks after posting wrenching YouTube video detailing bullying |publisher=Fox News |date=2012-10-12 |accessdate=October 31, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031180509/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/10/12/canadian-teen-found-dead-weeks-after-posting-wrenching-youtube-video-detailing/ |archivedate=October 31, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> at CABE Secondary in Coquitlam,<ref>{{cite web |last=Luymes |first=Glenda |url=https://theprovince.com/news/Cyberbullying+Amanda+Todd+suicide+prompts+grief/7376942/story.html |title=Cyberbullying: Outpouring of grief over teen's suicide (with video) |publisher=The province |date=March 25, 2002 |accessdate=October 13, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014091826/http://www.theprovince.com/news/Cyberbullying+Amanda+Todd+suicide+prompts+grief/7376942/story.html |archivedate=October 14, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> a school that caters to students who have experienced social and behaviour issues in previous educational settings.<ref>{{cite web| title = About CABE | url = http://www.sd43.bc.ca/secondary/CABE/About/Pages/ | publisher= sd43 |accessdate= November 5, 2012 | location = BC, CA}}</ref> |
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== Investigation, arrest and conviction == |
== Investigation, arrest and conviction == |
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Todd's suicide received widespread international media coverage, much of which included a link to her YouTube video and an email address provided by the RCMP appealing for information from the public. Within 24 hours of the appeal, over 400 tips were received.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /> The RCMP has stated that its investigation was hindered by the amount of false information in online postings after Todd's death, and by scams claiming to raise money for her family.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/16/bc-amanda-todd-scam-websites.html|title=Amanda Todd probe delayed by online rumours, scams|publisher=CBC.ca|author=Alan Waterman, Canadian Press|date=October 17, 2012|accessdate=October 19, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019000816/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/16/bc-amanda-todd-scam-websites.html|archivedate=October 19, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
Todd's suicide received widespread international media coverage, much of which included a link to her YouTube video and an email address provided by the RCMP appealing for information from the public. Within 24 hours of the appeal, over 400 tips were received.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /> The RCMP has stated that its investigation was hindered by the amount of false information in online postings after Todd's death, and by scams claiming to raise money for her family.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/16/bc-amanda-todd-scam-websites.html|title=Amanda Todd probe delayed by online rumours, scams|publisher=CBC.ca|author=Alan Waterman, Canadian Press|date=October 17, 2012|accessdate=October 19, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019000816/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/16/bc-amanda-todd-scam-websites.html|archivedate=October 19, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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On October 19, 2012, a series of vigils was held across Canada and internationally to remember Todd and other victims of bullying.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/10/18/toronto-bullying-silence.html|title=Bullying victims remembered in vigils worldwide:Vigils, memorials follow suicide of B.C. teen Amanda Todd last week|publisher=CBC.ca|date=October 19, 2012|accessdate=October 19, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020004820/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/10/18/toronto-bullying-silence.html|archivedate=October 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A [[minute of silence]] was observed by a quarter of a million students in the [[Toronto District School Board]] district.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Louise|title=Amanda Todd: Toronto students to remember bullied teen who committed suicide|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1273960--amanda-todd-toronto-students-to-remember-bullied-teen-who-committed-suicide|accessdate=October 20, 2012|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=October 18, 2012|location=Toronto ON|page=2|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021011923/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1273960--amanda-todd-toronto-students-to-remember-bullied-teen-who-committed-suicide|archivedate=October 21, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The same day, Todd's mother was a guest of the 2012 [[We Day]] event in Vancouver, a week after Todd's death. Bullying had been scheduled as a topic before Todd's death and was addressed by speakers [[Magic Johnson]], musician and anti-bullying advocate [[Demi Lovato]] and British Columbia Premier [[Christy Clark]].<ref>{{cite web|url= |
On October 19, 2012, a series of vigils was held across Canada and internationally to remember Todd and other victims of bullying.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/10/18/toronto-bullying-silence.html|title=Bullying victims remembered in vigils worldwide:Vigils, memorials follow suicide of B.C. teen Amanda Todd last week|publisher=CBC.ca|date=October 19, 2012|accessdate=October 19, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020004820/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/10/18/toronto-bullying-silence.html|archivedate=October 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A [[minute of silence]] was observed by a quarter of a million students in the [[Toronto District School Board]] district.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Louise|title=Amanda Todd: Toronto students to remember bullied teen who committed suicide|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1273960--amanda-todd-toronto-students-to-remember-bullied-teen-who-committed-suicide|accessdate=October 20, 2012|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=October 18, 2012|location=Toronto ON|page=2|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021011923/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1273960--amanda-todd-toronto-students-to-remember-bullied-teen-who-committed-suicide|archivedate=October 21, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The same day, Todd's mother was a guest of the 2012 [[We Day]] event in Vancouver, a week after Todd's death. Bullying had been scheduled as a topic before Todd's death and was addressed by speakers [[Magic Johnson]], musician and anti-bullying advocate [[Demi Lovato]] and British Columbia Premier [[Christy Clark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprovince.com/news/Premier+tells+kids+stand+change+against+bullying/7410549/story.html |title=Amanda Todd's death felt at We Day event in Vancouver |publisher=The Province |date=October 19, 2012 |author=James Keller, Canadian Press |accessdate=October 19, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019141549/http://www.theprovince.com/news/Premier+tells+kids+stand+change+against+bullying/7410549/story.html |archivedate=October 19, 2012 }}</ref> |
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Initially, Todd's mother was denied entry to an anti-bullying conference for fear that her presence would upset other attendees.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ferreras|first=Jesse|title=Amanda Todd's Mother, Carol Todd, Excluded From Anti-Bullying Conference|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/14/carol-todd-amanda-todd-mother-anti-bullying-conference_n_2130424.html|work=Huffpost British Columbia|publisher=HPMG News|accessdate=November 18, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118040209/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/14/carol-todd-amanda-todd-mother-anti-bullying-conference_n_2130424.html|archivedate=November 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The family was invited to attend later events.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amanda Todd Memorial Set For Sunday|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/17/amanda-todd-memorial_n_2151479.html|work=Huffpost British Columbia|publisher=HPMG News|accessdate=November 18, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119010742/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/17/amanda-todd-memorial_n_2151479.html|archivedate=November 19, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
Initially, Todd's mother was denied entry to an anti-bullying conference for fear that her presence would upset other attendees.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ferreras|first=Jesse|title=Amanda Todd's Mother, Carol Todd, Excluded From Anti-Bullying Conference|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/14/carol-todd-amanda-todd-mother-anti-bullying-conference_n_2130424.html|work=Huffpost British Columbia|publisher=HPMG News|accessdate=November 18, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118040209/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/14/carol-todd-amanda-todd-mother-anti-bullying-conference_n_2130424.html|archivedate=November 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The family was invited to attend later events.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amanda Todd Memorial Set For Sunday|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/17/amanda-todd-memorial_n_2151479.html|work=Huffpost British Columbia|publisher=HPMG News|accessdate=November 18, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119010742/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/17/amanda-todd-memorial_n_2151479.html|archivedate=November 19, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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On November 18, 2012, 600 people gathered at a final farewell ceremony for Todd at [[Red Robinson Show Theatre]] in Coquitlam, near her home. Carol Todd told the gathering that her daughter had left behind "a larger-than-life message that has sparked the world and has made it open its eyes, its ears and its hearts".<ref>[ |
On November 18, 2012, 600 people gathered at a final farewell ceremony for Todd at [[Red Robinson Show Theatre]] in Coquitlam, near her home. Carol Todd told the gathering that her daughter had left behind "a larger-than-life message that has sparked the world and has made it open its eyes, its ears and its hearts".<ref>[https://vancouversun.com/life/Amanda+Todd+honoured+hundreds+Coquitlam+memorial+service/7567970/story.html Amanda Todd honoured by hundreds at Coquitlam memorial service] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122000957/http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Amanda+Todd+honoured+hundreds+Coquitlam+memorial+service/7567970/story.html |date=November 22, 2012 }} Retrieved Nov 19, 2012</ref> |
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Internet hacking and activist group [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] alleged that a 32-year-old man was Todd's blackmailer and main tormentor. The group published the [[Vancouver]]-area man's name and address on the Internet, resulting in the man's receipt of online threats of vigilante justice.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> After investigating the tip, police determined that the allegations were unfounded, and said that "false information that is being spread by people who appear to be trying to use Amanda's story to do harm or make a profit" was one of the challenges they faced.<ref name="ottawacitizen">{{Cite journal|last1=Shaw|last2=Sinoski|first1=Gillian|first2=Kelly|title=B.C. man denies harassing Amanda Todd; RCMP say allegations are 'unfounded'|work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]|url= |
Internet hacking and activist group [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] alleged that a 32-year-old man was Todd's blackmailer and main tormentor. The group published the [[Vancouver]]-area man's name and address on the Internet, resulting in the man's receipt of online threats of vigilante justice.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> After investigating the tip, police determined that the allegations were unfounded, and said that "false information that is being spread by people who appear to be trying to use Amanda's story to do harm or make a profit" was one of the challenges they faced.<ref name="ottawacitizen">{{Cite journal|last1=Shaw|last2=Sinoski|first1=Gillian|first2=Kelly|title=B.C. man denies harassing Amanda Todd; RCMP say allegations are 'unfounded'|work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/denies+harassing+Amanda+Todd+RCMP+allegations+unfounded/7400309/story.html|publisher=Postmedia Network Inc.|date=October 17, 2012|accessdate=January 27, 2013|postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".," as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021230743/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/denies+harassing+Amanda+Todd+RCMP+allegations+unfounded/7400309/story.html|archivedate=October 21, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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According to an interview with the ''[[The Vancouver Sun|Vancouver Sun]]'', the publication of his identity on social media sites resulted in over 50 emails and thousands of Facebook death threats.<ref name="ottawacitizen" /> A member of Anonymous had attempted to dissuade the group from publishing the information, saying that they had the right person but that the address belonged to someone else, not the target. ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' reported that the person who was responsible turned out to be 19, not 32.<ref name="inqtodd">{{cite web|title=Amanda Todd Investigation: Police Say Anonymous Outed the Wrong Man|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/367540/amanda-todd-investigation-police-say-anonymous-outed-the-wrong-man/|publisher=inquisitr.com|accessdate=December 23, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225005441/http://www.inquisitr.com/367540/amanda-todd-investigation-police-say-anonymous-outed-the-wrong-man/|archivedate=December 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="globewoo">{{cite news|last=Woo|first=Andrea|title='Hacktivist' group names second person in Amanda Todd case|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/hacktivist-group-names-second-person-in-amanda-todd-case/article4619867/|accessdate=December 23, 2012|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=October 17, 2012|location=Toronto|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222190944/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/hacktivist-group-names-second-person-in-amanda-todd-case/article4619867/|archivedate=December 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
According to an interview with the ''[[The Vancouver Sun|Vancouver Sun]]'', the publication of his identity on social media sites resulted in over 50 emails and thousands of Facebook death threats.<ref name="ottawacitizen" /> A member of Anonymous had attempted to dissuade the group from publishing the information, saying that they had the right person but that the address belonged to someone else, not the target. ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' reported that the person who was responsible turned out to be 19, not 32.<ref name="inqtodd">{{cite web|title=Amanda Todd Investigation: Police Say Anonymous Outed the Wrong Man|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/367540/amanda-todd-investigation-police-say-anonymous-outed-the-wrong-man/|publisher=inquisitr.com|accessdate=December 23, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225005441/http://www.inquisitr.com/367540/amanda-todd-investigation-police-say-anonymous-outed-the-wrong-man/|archivedate=December 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="globewoo">{{cite news|last=Woo|first=Andrea|title='Hacktivist' group names second person in Amanda Todd case|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/hacktivist-group-names-second-person-in-amanda-todd-case/article4619867/|accessdate=December 23, 2012|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=October 17, 2012|location=Toronto|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222190944/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/hacktivist-group-names-second-person-in-amanda-todd-case/article4619867/|archivedate=December 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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===Social media=== |
===Social media=== |
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After Todd's suicide, more than one million Facebook users "liked" her Facebook memorial page.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hewlett|first=Jason|title=Amanda Todd video put spotlight on bullying|url=http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130103/KAMLOOPS0101/121239984/-1/kamloops/story-of-the-year-amanda-todd-video-put-spotlight-on-bullying|work=kamloopsnews.ca|accessdate=April 12, 2013|date=January 3, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517033216/http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130103/KAMLOOPS0101/121239984/-1/kamloops/story-of-the-year-amanda-todd-video-put-spotlight-on-bullying|archivedate=May 17, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Mingled among the positive support and comments are attacks and images from strangers and people claiming to be her former classmates.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /> After one man's derogatory Facebook comments about Todd's death were reported to his employer, the [[Grafton-Fraser]] Mr. Big & Tall clothing chain, it confirmed that he was no longer an employee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ontario man loses job after writing cruel Facebook comment about Amanda Todd|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/17/cruel-facebook-comment-about-amanda-todds-suicide-costs-man-his-job/|accessdate=November 4, 2012|newspaper=National Post Wire Services|date=Oct 17, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121018183355/http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/17/cruel-facebook-comment-about-amanda-todds-suicide-costs-man-his-job/|archivedate=October 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Toronto man fired after 'trolling' Amanda Todd Facebook page|url= |
After Todd's suicide, more than one million Facebook users "liked" her Facebook memorial page.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hewlett|first=Jason|title=Amanda Todd video put spotlight on bullying|url=http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130103/KAMLOOPS0101/121239984/-1/kamloops/story-of-the-year-amanda-todd-video-put-spotlight-on-bullying|work=kamloopsnews.ca|accessdate=April 12, 2013|date=January 3, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517033216/http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130103/KAMLOOPS0101/121239984/-1/kamloops/story-of-the-year-amanda-todd-video-put-spotlight-on-bullying|archivedate=May 17, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Mingled among the positive support and comments are attacks and images from strangers and people claiming to be her former classmates.<ref name="ctvnews.ca" /> After one man's derogatory Facebook comments about Todd's death were reported to his employer, the [[Grafton-Fraser]] Mr. Big & Tall clothing chain, it confirmed that he was no longer an employee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ontario man loses job after writing cruel Facebook comment about Amanda Todd|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/17/cruel-facebook-comment-about-amanda-todds-suicide-costs-man-his-job/|accessdate=November 4, 2012|newspaper=National Post Wire Services|date=Oct 17, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121018183355/http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/17/cruel-facebook-comment-about-amanda-todds-suicide-costs-man-his-job/|archivedate=October 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Toronto man fired after 'trolling' Amanda Todd Facebook page|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/Toronto+fired+after+trolling+Amanda+Todd+Facebook+page/7397857/story.html|accessdate=November 4, 2012|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|date=October 16, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106075103/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Toronto+fired+after+trolling+Amanda+Todd+Facebook+page/7397857/story.html|archivedate=November 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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On October 19, 2012, police in New Zealand said they were questioning a 17-year-old boy from [[Raglan, New Zealand|Raglan]] who allegedly posted "inappropriate and disturbing images" on a memorial page for Todd. Police removed the images and shut down the boy's Facebook page.<ref name="BNONews2012">{{cite web |title=Police question New Zealand teen over Amanda Todd images |publisher=[[BNO News]] |date=October 19, 2012 |url=http://www.bnowire.com/?p=835 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130118074406/http://www.bnowire.com/?p=835 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 18, 2013 |accessdate=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> |
On October 19, 2012, police in New Zealand said they were questioning a 17-year-old boy from [[Raglan, New Zealand|Raglan]] who allegedly posted "inappropriate and disturbing images" on a memorial page for Todd. Police removed the images and shut down the boy's Facebook page.<ref name="BNONews2012">{{cite web |title=Police question New Zealand teen over Amanda Todd images |publisher=[[BNO News]] |date=October 19, 2012 |url=http://www.bnowire.com/?p=835 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130118074406/http://www.bnowire.com/?p=835 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=January 18, 2013 |accessdate=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> |
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===Amanda Todd Legacy Society=== |
===Amanda Todd Legacy Society=== |
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Carol Todd established the Amanda Todd Trust at the [[Royal Bank of Canada]], receiving donations to support anti-bullying awareness education and programs for young people with mental health problems.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Gillian |url= |
Carol Todd established the Amanda Todd Trust at the [[Royal Bank of Canada]], receiving donations to support anti-bullying awareness education and programs for young people with mental health problems.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Gillian |url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/Amanda+Todd+speaks+about+daughter+death/7386696/story.html |title=Mother wants Amanda Todd's video to help others |publisher=Calgaryherald.com |date= |accessdate=October 14, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016070855/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Amanda+Todd+speaks+about+daughter+death/7386696/story.html |archivedate=October 16, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> (A week after Todd's death, [[ABC News]] reported that fraudulent websites had been set up claiming to solicit donations, quoting a statement by RCMP Sergeant Peter Thiessen: "Taking advantage of a family's grief is despicable...We want to get the word out that there is one real account and anyone who is interested can make a donation at any RBC branch to the Amanda Todd Trust Account.")<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-amanda-todds-death-spurs-fake-fundraising/story?id=17507029|title=Bullied Teen's Death Spurs Fake Sites|date=October 18, 2012|publisher=ABC News|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205192127/http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-amanda-todds-death-spurs-fake-fundraising/story?id=17507029|archivedate=February 5, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It has since been incorporated as a nonprofit colloquially known as Amanda Todd Legacy, with a particular outreach on the mental health issues of adolescents on occasions such as [[World Mental Health Day]] on October 10.<ref name="World Mental Health Day">{{cite web | url=http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/carol-todd-wants-you-to-lightuppurple-for-world-mental-health-day/ | title=Carol Todd wants you to #LightUpPurple for World Mental Health Day | publisher=Kids Help Phone | accessdate=2016-09-13 | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919132912/http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/carol-todd-wants-you-to-lightuppurple-for-world-mental-health-day/ | archivedate=September 19, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Amanda Todd Legacy Award was established in conjunction with the [[Douglas College]] Foundation in 2016; three students are awarded $1,000 annually toward their studies.<ref name="Amanda Todd Legacy Award">{{cite web | url=http://www.tricitynews.com/news/new-amanda-todd-award-for-dc-students-1.2078111 | title=New Amanda Todd award for DC students: $1,000 award will be given to students enrolled in child and youth care program in recognition of Port Coquitlam teen and mental health issues | publisher=Tri-City News | date=2016-10-26 | accessdate=2016-09-13 | author=Strandberg, Diane | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919082350/http://www.tricitynews.com/news/new-amanda-todd-award-for-dc-students-1.2078111 | archivedate=September 19, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Amanda Todd Legacy and Carol Todd have also participated in [[LGBT]] advocacy under the aegis of [[Kids Help Phone]], Canada's 24-hour [[hotline]] for youth in crisis.<ref name="Kids Help Phone Walk">{{cite web | url=http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2015/07/17/everyone-can-make-a-difference | title=Everyone Can Made A Difference | publisher=Niagara Falls Review | date=2015-07-17 | accessdate=2016-09-13 | author=Langley, Alison}}</ref> |
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Carol Todd is close friends with Leah Parsons, the mother of [[Rehtaeh Parsons]], and they frequently network on cyberbullying issues. The two women often have speaking engagements about their respective daughters with an emphasis on respect, acceptance, forgiveness and dignity.<ref name="Friendship with Leah Parsons">{{cite web | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/forged-in-sadness-grieving-mothers-find-friendship/article17948255/ | title=Forged in sadness, grieving mothers find friendship | publisher=The Globe and Mail | date=2014-04-12 | accessdate=2016-09-13 | author=Taber, Jane | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920061807/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/forged-in-sadness-grieving-mothers-find-friendship/article17948255/ | archivedate=September 20, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> |
Carol Todd is close friends with Leah Parsons, the mother of [[Rehtaeh Parsons]], and they frequently network on cyberbullying issues. The two women often have speaking engagements about their respective daughters with an emphasis on respect, acceptance, forgiveness and dignity.<ref name="Friendship with Leah Parsons">{{cite web | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/forged-in-sadness-grieving-mothers-find-friendship/article17948255/ | title=Forged in sadness, grieving mothers find friendship | publisher=The Globe and Mail | date=2014-04-12 | accessdate=2016-09-13 | author=Taber, Jane | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920061807/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/forged-in-sadness-grieving-mothers-find-friendship/article17948255/ | archivedate=September 20, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> |
![]()
A screenshot of Todd's YouTube video
| |
Date | October 10, 2012 (2012-10-10) |
---|---|
Location | Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada |
Cause | Bullying |
Inquest | British Columbia Coroners Service |
Coroner | Barb McLintock[1] |
Suspects | Aydin Coban[2] |
Charges | Indecent assault and child pornography (Netherlands)[3] |
Amanda Michelle Todd (November 27, 1996 – October 10, 2012),[4][5] was a 15-year-old Canadian student and victim of cyberbullying who committed suicidebyhanging at her home in Port Coquitlam, a city in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Before her death, Todd 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,[3] and of being bullied and physically assaulted. The video went viral after her death,[6] resulting in international media attention. The video has had more than 12 million views as of August 2018.[3] The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and British Columbia Coroners Service launched investigations into the suicide.
In response to her death, Christy Clark, the Premier of British Columbia, made an online statement of condolence and suggested a national discussion on criminalizing cyberbullying.[7][8] Also, a motion was introduced in the Canadian House of Commons to propose a study of the scope of bullying in Canada, and for more funding and support for anti-bullying organizations. Todd's mother Carol established the Amanda Todd Trust, receiving donations to support anti-bullying awareness education and programs for young people with mental health problems.
On September 7, 2012, Todd posted a 9-minute YouTube video titled My Story: Struggling, bullying, suicide and self-harm, which showed her using a series of flashcards to tell of her experiences being bullied.[9] The video went viral after her death on October 10, 2012, receiving over 1,600,000 views by October 13, 2012,[10] with news websites from around the world linking to it.
During the video, Todd writes that when she was in grade 7 (2009–10), around the same time she moved in with her father,[11] she used video chat to meet new people over the Internet and received compliments on her looks.[9][12] A stranger convinced Todd to bare her breasts on camera (an exploitative phenomenon known as "capping", short for screen capturing),[13] after attempting to do so for a year.[9][12] He later blackmailed her by threatening to give the topless photo to her friends unless she gave him a "show";[9][12][14] she also featured briefly, albeit circumstantially, on the faux animated news show Daily CapperonBlogTV in an incident that attracted the vigilante attentions of the group Anonymous after her suicide.[15][16] An episode of Daily Capper that attempted to take the moral high ground, very different in tone from their usual material, was released a month after her death.[17]
Todd wrote that during the Christmas 2010 break, police informed her at 4:00 a.m. that the photo was circulating on the Internet.[9][12] She wrote that she experienced anxiety, depression, and panic disorder due to having been sexually exploited online and cyberbullied.[9][12] Her family moved to a new home, where Todd later said she began using drugs and alcohol.[9][12][14]
A year later, Todd's blackmailer reappeared, creating a Facebook profile that used the topless photo as its profile image and contacting classmates at her new school.[9][12] Again Todd was teased, eventually changing schools for a second time.[9][12] She wrote that she began chatting to "an old guy friend" who contacted her.[9][12] The friend invited Todd to his house, where they had sex while his girlfriend was on holiday.[9][12][18] The following week, the boy's girlfriend and a group of about 15 others confronted Todd at school, shouting insults, with the boy's girlfriend punching her;[9][12] Todd fell to the ground, then lay in a ditch, where her father found her.[9][12] After the attack, Todd attempted suicide by drinking bleach, but survived after being rushed to hospital to have her stomach pumped.[9][12][14] "It killed me inside and I thought I was gonna actully [sic] die", Todd commented in her video.[1][9][12]
After returning home, Todd discovered abusive messages about her suicide attempt posted to Facebook.[9][12] In March 2012, her family moved to another city to start afresh, but Todd was unable to escape the past.[9][12] According to her mother, "Every time she moved schools he would go undercover and become a Facebook friend. What the guy did was he went online to the kids who went to [the new school] and said that he was going to be a new student — that he was starting school the following week and that he wanted some friends and could they friend him on Facebook. He eventually gathered people's names and sent Todd's video to her new school", including students, teachers and parents.[19] Six months later, further messages and abuse were still being posted to social networking sites. With Todd's mental state worsening, she began to engage in self-mutilation and cutting.[12] Despite taking her prescribed antidepressants and receiving counseling, she overdosed and was hospitalized for two days.[12][20]
Todd was taunted by other students at her school for her low grades, a consequence of a language-based learning disability, and for the time she spent in hospital to treat her severe depression.[11] "It didn't really help that after she got out of the hospital recently some kids started calling her 'psycho' and saying she had been in the crazy hospital," her mother said. "She went to the hospital, she had therapy, she had counseling, she was on a good track. On the day she gets out, that happens. I shake my head and I think, 'Are kids really that nasty, do they really not think, what if it was them?'"[11]
On October 10, 2012, at about 6:00 PM (PDT), Todd was found hanging at her home.[21][22] At the time of her death, Todd was a grade 10 student[23] at CABE Secondary in Coquitlam,[24] a school that caters to students who have experienced social and behaviour issues in previous educational settings.[25]
A preliminary investigation by British Columbia Coroners Service showed that Todd's death was a suicide. The cause of death was reported in some media as hanging,[26][27][28][29] but the exact cause of death had not been released.[30]
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and British Columbia Coroners Service put 20 full-time investigators on the case.[10] The Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows serious crime teams cooperated in a full investigation, conducting interviews and examining factors that may have contributed to Todd's death.[31] Investigators are reviewing content at social media sites and actively monitoring pages.[31]
The Canadian national organization Cybertip.ca reported having received a tip about Todd nearly a year before her suicide. The anti-child-exploitation group stated that, in November 2011, a concerned citizen reported that images of Todd were in circulation on the Internet. That information was provided to law enforcement as well as child welfare agencies.[32] According to the CBC news program The Fifth Estate, the RCMP were repeatedly informed that the juvenile was being sexually extorted by an adult male, and in response the RCMP told the family there was "nothing that could be done" about it.[33] According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), however, the crime of "sextortion" can be investigated quite successfully.[citation needed]
Following an investigation by Facebook's security unit, whose report was forwarded by U.S. authorities to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre attached to the British National Crime Agency,[34] and then to Dutch authorities, in January 2014 Dutch police arrested a man in a case involving multiple victims in the Netherlands, U.K., and Canada, having installed spyware on his computers; "chilling" chat logs of extortion, numerous images of child pornography, and 5,800 bookmarked names that served as a database of potential victims and their social networks were found.[35] In April 2014, it was reported that Dutch authorities charged a 35-year-old man of dual Dutch and Turkish citizenship (identified only as "Aydin C." within the Netherlands[3][36] in accordance with Dutch privacy laws) with indecent assault and child pornography.[3] That same month, the RCMP announced that the man had been charged with extortion, internet luring, criminal harassment and possession and distribution of child pornography for his alleged offenses against Todd and other child victims, both male and female.[37] Todd's mother thanked police, but also said that she believed more than one person was involved.[38] On 28 January 2015, CBC News said that Aydin Coban had written an open letter proclaiming his innocence.[2]
Dutch authorities dropped some child pornography charges in October 2015;[39][40] Coban's case went to trial in February 2017, and concluded on March 16, 2017. He faced 72 charges of sexual assault and extortion in the Netherlands involving 39 alleged victims (34 young women and five men in countries as various as Britain, Canada, Norway and the United States, some of whom had been harassed for years); eventually convicted and sentenced on the Dutch charges of internet fraud and blackmail, he faces five separate Canadian charges related to Todd (herself not one of the 39), and it was anticipated that he would be extradited to Canada no sooner than the middle of 2018 whilst serving his Dutch sentence of 10 years and 8 months. Carol Todd expressed relief at the sentence.[35][41]
Todd's suicide received widespread international media coverage, much of which included a link to her YouTube video and an email address provided by the RCMP appealing for information from the public. Within 24 hours of the appeal, over 400 tips were received.[10] The RCMP has stated that its investigation was hindered by the amount of false information in online postings after Todd's death, and by scams claiming to raise money for her family.[42]
On October 19, 2012, a series of vigils was held across Canada and internationally to remember Todd and other victims of bullying.[43]Aminute of silence was observed by a quarter of a million students in the Toronto District School Board district.[44] The same day, Todd's mother was a guest of the 2012 We Day event in Vancouver, a week after Todd's death. Bullying had been scheduled as a topic before Todd's death and was addressed by speakers Magic Johnson, musician and anti-bullying advocate Demi Lovato and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.[45]
Initially, Todd's mother was denied entry to an anti-bullying conference for fear that her presence would upset other attendees.[46] The family was invited to attend later events.[47]
On November 18, 2012, 600 people gathered at a final farewell ceremony for Todd at Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam, near her home. Carol Todd told the gathering that her daughter had left behind "a larger-than-life message that has sparked the world and has made it open its eyes, its ears and its hearts".[48]
Internet hacking and activist group Anonymous alleged that a 32-year-old man was Todd's blackmailer and main tormentor. The group published the Vancouver-area man's name and address on the Internet, resulting in the man's receipt of online threats of vigilante justice.[32] After investigating the tip, police determined that the allegations were unfounded, and said that "false information that is being spread by people who appear to be trying to use Amanda's story to do harm or make a profit" was one of the challenges they faced.[49]
According to an interview with the Vancouver Sun, the publication of his identity on social media sites resulted in over 50 emails and thousands of Facebook death threats.[49] A member of Anonymous had attempted to dissuade the group from publishing the information, saying that they had the right person but that the address belonged to someone else, not the target. Slate reported that the person who was responsible turned out to be 19, not 32.[50][51]
Michelle Dean of The New Yorker compared Todd's death to the suicide of Tyler Clementi, an LGBT student at Rutgers University who jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate encouraged friends to watch a live stream of Clementi kissing another man. In an early piece questioning the assumptions of perpetrators of nonconsensual pornography, she quotes Mary Anne Franks:
Women have become, as Franks put it, "unwilling avatars", unable to control their own images online, and then told to put up with it for the sake of "freedom", for the good of the community. And then they are incorrectly told, even if the public is behind them, that they have no remedies in the law. They are shouted down by people with a view of freedom of speech more literal than that held by any judge.
and concludes:[52]
...[But] whatever Amanda Todd might have been thinking, whatever else might be true, she did get one thing out of this: Amanda Todd did manage to, just once, tell her own story. She got to drown out the version of her that strangers had put out on the Web. It's a small comfort. But it was perhaps the only one she had left.
Vancouver Magazine titled a piece on Todd "The Girl Who Woke Up the World"; in 2012 she was the third-most Googled person, and by 2013 vigils had been held in 38 countries. Her mother continues to be the subject of cyber-stalking.[53]
After Todd's suicide, more than one million Facebook users "liked" her Facebook memorial page.[10][54] Mingled among the positive support and comments are attacks and images from strangers and people claiming to be her former classmates.[10] After one man's derogatory Facebook comments about Todd's death were reported to his employer, the Grafton-Fraser Mr. Big & Tall clothing chain, it confirmed that he was no longer an employee.[55][56]
On October 19, 2012, police in New Zealand said they were questioning a 17-year-old boy from Raglan who allegedly posted "inappropriate and disturbing images" on a memorial page for Todd. Police removed the images and shut down the boy's Facebook page.[57]
Todd's suicide engendered the Drink Bleach Internet meme almost immediately,[58] and four years after her death she was associated with the 2016 movie Suicide Squad (along with Adolf Hitler, Robin Williams and Kurt Cobain in one depiction), a meme her mother regarded as unhelpful to those at risk.[59]
Carol Todd established the Amanda Todd Trust at the Royal Bank of Canada, receiving donations to support anti-bullying awareness education and programs for young people with mental health problems.[60] (A week after Todd's death, ABC News reported that fraudulent websites had been set up claiming to solicit donations, quoting a statement by RCMP Sergeant Peter Thiessen: "Taking advantage of a family's grief is despicable...We want to get the word out that there is one real account and anyone who is interested can make a donation at any RBC branch to the Amanda Todd Trust Account.")[61] It has since been incorporated as a nonprofit colloquially known as Amanda Todd Legacy, with a particular outreach on the mental health issues of adolescents on occasions such as World Mental Health Day on October 10.[62] The Amanda Todd Legacy Award was established in conjunction with the Douglas College Foundation in 2016; three students are awarded $1,000 annually toward their studies.[63] Amanda Todd Legacy and Carol Todd have also participated in LGBT advocacy under the aegis of Kids Help Phone, Canada's 24-hour hotline for youth in crisis.[64]
Carol Todd is close friends with Leah Parsons, the mother of Rehtaeh Parsons, and they frequently network on cyberbullying issues. The two women often have speaking engagements about their respective daughters with an emphasis on respect, acceptance, forgiveness and dignity.[65]
On March 24, 2018, composer Jocelyn Morlock won the Juno Award for Classical Composition of the Year for a piece inspired by Amanda Todd; she was joined onstage by Carol Todd.[66]
In 2012 parliamentarian Dany Morin of the New Democratic Party introduced a motion in the House of Commons of Canada in response to Todd's death. The motion proposed a study of the scope of bullying in Canada, and more funding and support for anti-bullying organizations. It was also intended to lay the groundwork for a national strategy to prevent bullying. Morin himself had experienced bullying in school.[67]
In November 2013 Justice Minister Peter MacKay of the Conservative Party introduced Bill C-13, anti-cyberbullying and revenge porn legislation. Carol Todd criticized its warrantless access provisions, saying, "I don't want to see our children victimized again by losing privacy rights".[68][69] The definition of cyberbullying itself has been a matter of considerable debate,[70] as have the bill's privacy provisions (particularly in regard to encryption technologies).[71] It went into effect on March 9, 2015.[72] It had largely been promoted as protecting minors, but applies to all ages.[73]
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After she died, the video gained worldwide recognition and registered more than six million hits, and copies of the video re-posted to YouTube have since gained at least 16 million additional hits.
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Amanda Todd, a 15-year-old Canadian schoolgirl hanged herself, last week, after years of unrelenting abuse by peers and online predators, one of whom persuaded her to flash her breasts and then shared the picture around the world.
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Amanda Todd of British Columbia apparently hanged herself on Oct. 10 after a grave mistake followed her for the rest of her brief life.
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Amanda Todd, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was found hanged in her home on October 10, weeks after she uploaded a video to YouTube that describes – via a series of note cards – her treatment at the hands of a cyber bully.
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Amanda Todd, was found hanged in her home in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, last Wednesday, one month before her 16th birthday.
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