Teasing, physical abuse, emotional torment – students in Calgary are telling 660News bullying can take many forms.
They and millions of other Canadians continue to mourn the death of BC teenager Amanda Todd.
The 15-year-old posted a video online that outlined her abuse in great detail before taking her own life.
Since then, her tragedy has created a national uproar, once again putting the issue of bullying back in the spotlight.
Vigils are being planned from coast to coast, including Calgary.
Mourners will gather at Olympic Plaza at 7 p.m. on Friday night to remember all victims of bullying.
One Medicine Hat teenager tells 660News he’s been a bullying victim.
While he doesn’t see much of it at his own high school he says the subtleties are still a problem that need to be addressed.
“Sometimes I do get called names but I just ignore them,” he says. “Usually if someone’s bullying it’s because they have problems at home.”
And he’s not alone; one grade 11 student from Crowsnest Pass says there is no easy solution.
“When I’m the one being bullied I don’t feel very good – and then when I’m the one bullying someone else it feels good for a bit but then you remember that you’ve had that happen to you – and you just feel bad, really bad,” he says.
One Calgary student says local high schools have done a good job in addressing the problem.
She adds she was a victim at Monsignor Smith Junior High.
“Just being excluded from everyone else and being labelled,” she explains. “It’s definitely not a good experience.”
SAIT student Curtis experienced it like a lot of other Albertans.
He would rather Canadians focus on addressing the situation than trying to find an end.
“It’s a social solution that’s going to occur no matter what,” he says. “But it’s your response that’s the most important part.”
“If we can solidify people’s confidence and self worth, that’s the difference between being crushed and moving forward,” he adds.
By focusing on the response, Curtis feels more kids will be saved.
Students in Calgary Mourn Death of BC Teen Amanda Todd
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