In the final slide of the YouTube video posted by Amanda Todd she holds up a card that reads ‘I have nobody, I need someone.’
That message, and on the day that would have been Amanda’s 16th birthday, Port Coquitlam in British Columbia launched their own anti-bullying program – ‘Be Someone’.
With so many young people experiencing bullying through so many different platforms – four teens have committed suicide in the past year in Port Coquitlam – organizers are hoping their campaign will spark change in other cities around the province as well.
The initiative involves online resources through a new website called iamsomeone.ca, a bullying help ‘text messaging’ platform, and the implementation of the first anti-bullying bylaw in B.C.
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“The repercussions of that bylaw are very important,” said Port Coquitlam mayor Greg Moore. “They could be monetary, however our goal is to have the bullies that need the help, that want to get the help, we’ll have a course for them.”
If the course is completed successfully the bylaw ticket could be ripped up.
Mauris speaks about what the program involves:
Students will also be taking part in the campaign, helping each other deal with the issue of bullying.
Grade 11 student Chantal Cardoso said she thinks the bylaw will be a helpful step to solving the problem of bullying.
“I’ve been bullied in my life,” she said. “I’ve been singled out in groups. I had death threats. I’ve had cases where kids followed me home. But I’m past that.”
She hopes to get other kids to the same point.
Amanda’s mother Carol also attended the event, and said the inspiration her daughter has given to everyone has been overwhelming.
In memory of Amanda, Port Coquitlam will be hosting the first-ever Snowflake Walk on December 9th.
It will take place at 1 p.m. at 2150 Wilson Avenue. Onsite registration starts at 11 a.m.
More information about the walk can be found on their website, or through their Twitter account.
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