“I Have Nobody… I Need Someone”: A Teenager’s Haunting Legacy

“I’m struggling to stay in this world, because everything just touches me so deeply. I’m not doing this for attention. I’m doing this to be an inspiration and to show that I can be strong. I did things to myself to make pain go away, because I’d rather hurt myself then someone else. Haters are haters but please don’t hate, although im sure I’ll get them. I hope I can show you guys that everyone has a story, and everyones future will be bright one day, you just gotta pull through. I’m still here aren’t I?”

– AmandaTodd

In a heart-wrenching video[1] posted to YouTube, 15-year-old Amanda Todd revealed to the world the bullying, abuse, teasing, and ridicule she endured on a daily basis by her peers at school and on the Internet. At the end of her nearly 9-minute index card confession, she simply wrote: “I have nobody… I need someone… My name is Amanda Todd…” On October 10, 2012, Amanda took her own life.[2]

Prevalence of Bullying and Effectiveness of Anti-Bullying Legislation

Over the past couple of weeks, a colleague and I have gone into fourth gear posting articles regarding bullying and, as I’ve described it before, its technological brother, cyberbullying. Nearly three out of every four students face some form of bullying, with 5-15 percent characterized as “chronic victims.”[3] 

Though nearly every State has some form of anti-bullying legislation, many have questioned its effectiveness and sources: to quote Jennifer Livingston of CBS WKBT, “this behavior is learned… We need to teach our children to be kind, not critical, and we need to do that by example.”[4] A Canadian social psychologist described Amanda’s death as the consequence of “a generation [raised to be] passive bystanders,” indicating the problem as one of community rather than institution.[5] Thus, despite the laws on the books, bullying tactics will undoubtedly remain pervasive and claim more victims.

Bullying and its impact on children and young adults is no joke, and both the short- and long-term effects can be devastating. We need only remember Tyler Clementi, Phoebe Prince, Megan Meier, and now Amanda Todd as harsh, stark reminders of this lesson. As a parent, it is imperative that your child understands that he or she ought not view their self-worth through the eyes of their tormentors.[6]

By Lindsay E. Raber, Esq.

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Should you have any questions regarding school bullying or any other education law matter, please do not hesitate to contact Attorney Joseph C. Maya. He may be reached at Maya Murphy, P.C., 266 Post Road East, Westport, Connecticut (located in Fairfield County), by telephone at (203) 221-3100, or by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com.