The Story of Amanda Todd and Rehtaeh Parson

Rehtaeh Parsons and Amanda Todd were two teenagers from Canada whose stories brought international attention to the issues of cyberbullying, cyber harassment, and the dire consequences they can lead to. Their experiences are heart-wrenching reminders of the devastating impact that sextortion and revenge porn can have on young lives and the importance of digital citizenship, empathy, and supportive legal frameworks.

Amanda Todd was a 15-year-old from British Columbia who became a victim of cyber harassment and exploitation. At the age of 12, she was persuaded by an online predator to expose her breasts on a webcam. The individual later used the images to blackmail her. When Amanda refused to give him more images, he followed through on his threats and circulated the photos online.

The photograph was shared widely among her peers, leading to severe bullying and harassment. Amanda changed schools multiple times to escape the bullying, but the harassment followed her online. She posted a video on YouTube in September 2012 using flashcards to tell her story, detailing her struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse as a result of the bullying. Tragically, Amanda Todd took her own life in October 2012.

Rehtaeh Parsons was a 17-year-old from Nova Scotia who experienced a similar form of cyber harassment but with additional layers of physical abuse. In 2011, at the age of 15, Rehtaeh attended a party where she was sexually assaulted by four boys who also took photographs of the assault. These images were then circulated among her peers, leading to widespread bullying and harassment, both online and offline.

Rehtaeh and her family reported the assault and the subsequent cyberbullying to the police, but initially, there were no charges laid due to claims of insufficient evidence. She was shunned by many in her community and struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a result of her ordeal. In April 2013, after enduring months of cyber harassment, Rehtaeh attempted suicide and passed away later in the hospital.

Their stories beg for a better future; one where the non-consensual use of intimate images or sexual assault is NEVER tolerated.