Views split on if Todd video should be shown in classroom
Posted October 22, 2012 8:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Does it address the issues of bullying or suicide or is it a “traumatic stimuli” that dangerously simplifies the situation?
After a memo went out to teachers advising them not to show Amanda Todd’s YouTube video in their classrooms, opinion is mixed among parents and others.
The Oct. 14 memo, from the Ministry of Education, says the video in which Todd describes her ordeals with bullying shouldn’t be shown because it “may lead vulnerable youth to believe that bullying ’causes’ suicide, which dangerously simplifies a very complex and struggle for many individuals.”
On the street, reaction is mixed. Many point out that students will likely have already seen the video anyway and feel it should be discussed in the most open and honest way possible.
“It’s a very poignant image, you know? It’s important for children to see this is the effect bullying can have on other children,” says Leoni.
But others worry it may be too much for some students.
“I think it’s an important thing for people to see who are old enough, mentally, to see it and be aware of what’s going on but I don’t think it’s for younger children,” says Chris.
The memo states it is a powerful time to talk about the issues arising from Todd’s bullying and suicide but refers teachers to three anti-bullying websites as an alternative to watching the video, suggesting it does not address the issues.
