Documentary featuring Amanda Todd’s mom tackles cyberbullying

Posted April 14, 2021 10:04 am.

VANCOUVER (CityNews) – A new documentary is tackling the epidemic of cyberbullying, through the eyes of Amanda Todd’s mother.

Amanda took her life about eight and a half years ago after suffering years of online abuse.

“Depression, anxiety, mental health — they all came into play, the same as with Amanda,” said Carol Todd of the impact losing her daughter had on her.

Carol is speaking out against cyberbullying in the Dark Cloud documentary, which also aims to educate viewers about how to recognize it’s happening.

“When we talk about cyberbullying, we’re talking about technology and being behind a screen. And saying something horrible or nasty and sending it to someone else without having to see them face to face, and it gives them courage to be behind a screen,” she said.

Carol is sharing her daughter’s story alongside two other people — Brooke and Justin.

“Amanda and Brooke and Justin all went through horrific actions of others, and they all went through trauma because of those actions,” the mother said.

In a nine-minute, viral YouTube video posted on Sept. 7, 2012, Amanda shared her experiences of being bullied with a series of flashcards. A stranger sexually exploited her and blackmailed her, and she was also bullied by fellow students.

On Oct. 10 of that year, Amanda took her own life. Her story sparked a global conversation around bullying, cyber abuse, internet safety, mental health, and gender-based cyberviolence — a conversation that Carol is determined to continue.

“We have Amanda’s story and what happened to her. She experienced real-life bullying, she experienced cyberbullying, exploitation, mental health, and she’s not here to share her story, but I can share her story, and if we can help save other lives and inform others on what to do if they’re experiencing cyberbullying, it’s worth it to me to keep going and doing this,” she told CityNews.

The Dutch man accused of extorting and criminally harassing Amanda was extradited to Canada in February. He is charged with extortion, criminal harassment, communication with a young person to commit a sexual offence, and two counts of possession of child pornography.

“It feels really good to know that court proceedings are beginning, and there will be a trial this coming fall,” she said. “There were parts of me that thought it wouldn’t happen. But now we know that it has, and lots of people around the world are waiting for this trial and waiting for the outcome.”

Viewers can stream Dark Cloud online as part of the Reel 2 Real online film festival, which starts April 14.

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