Canada
‘Full investigation’ launched by police for teen bullied to death

Amanda Todd, 15, of Coquitlam, BC, killed herself Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012,

Credits: YOUTUBE

MICHAEL MUI | QMI AGENCY

VANCOUVER - Mounties have launched a "full investigation" Friday into the circumstances that led Vancouver area teenager Amanda Todd to take her life.

Todd killed herself Wednesday after posting a silent, lengthy video last month detailing on cue cards how a stranger followed her online and sent nude images of her to "everyone" she knew, even when she switched schools, turning peers against her.

"Serious crime teams in Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows are working together, conducting interviews and reviewing any potential contributing factors to her death," said Sgt. Peter Thiessen in a statement.

The Port Coquitlam teen's nearly nine minute video suggests her tormentors actively used social media sites to bully her.

In the video, Todd said she was beaten up outside a new school and left in a ditch where her father found her, and was hospitalized when she drank the chemicals at home.

Afterward, Todd said her classmates tagged her in pictures of ditches and bleach on Facebook, and egged her on to kill herself.

The person who had threatened to post her nude photos, taken from a webcam when she was in Grade 7, also contacted her through Facebook.

"They ASSAULTED her, they STALKED her, they tormented her. The children absolutely, without regard deserve to be punished for assault and battery in the very least," wrote one QMI Agency reader.

Another wrote, "This was a serious criminal matter right from the start - why wasn't it treated accordingly? This girl would probably still be alive."

BC government officials also released a list of resources on Friday, including a Youth in BC crisis hotline at 1-866-661-3311.

Officials urge families to routinely check their children and youth for signs of distress, which could include statements of hopelessness, refusing help, showing a loss of interest or boredom, withdrawing from friends and family, or insomnia, among other signs.

Mounties are also seeking tips from the public on the case at AmandaToddInfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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