Laura Baziuk | Email news tips to laura.baziuk@corusent.com
10/11/2012
A sad story is trending on Twitter this morning in Vancouver.
#RIPAMANDA is spreading on the social media site after it appears the teen was severely bullied at school and took her own life.
It started when a 15-year-old girl named Amanda posted a video on YouTube.
She flips through index cards, telling about how she was tormented by bullies because of two separate incidents.
She says she sank into depression and moved schools several times, but the taunts, threats and names kept up.
Amanda says at one point, a group of teens at school shouted at her that nobody liked her, and then she was punched.
Today, many people are posting on Twitter she has committed suicide and they are sending condolences to a Facebook memorial page.
A discussion has also begun with #RIPAMANDA about bullying’s deep and awful effects, and how it has to stop.
RCMP in Maple Ridge confirm they are aware of Amanda's death, and say their school liaison officer had previously directed her to support services.
They say she did attend school in Maple Ridge, but school officials there have yet to comment.
The Coquitlam School District meanwhile, has confirmed a grade 10 student at Cabe School died last night.
Spokeswoman Cheryl Quinton says the district is aware of the YouTube video.
"Whenever you hear of a student death, of course, it's a major tragedy in any school community and school district. So our thoughts and support go out to the family, friends and the school community at this time."
She adds supports were in place for the girl both at school and in the community.
Quinton says bullying is a prime concern for any school district, especially with the rise of social media.
She says the district deals with any case such as this brought to its attention, but could not provide any specific details in Amanda's case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOHXGNx-E7E&list=ULvOHXGNx-E7E
Photo courtesy of Global BC
|