Carol Todd is redoubling her efforts to raise awareness about online safety and mental health services for youth after witnessing the trial in the Netherlands of Aydin Coban on child pornography and extortion charges.
Todd told The Tri-City News that some of the the victims of cyberbullying in the Coban case were as young 10, although there were five adult male victims, too, showing that people of all ages need to be careful online.
"One of the main things I learned was that we really need to talk to our parents and educate our parents about what our kids are doing with technology. We have to have those conversations and educators need to understand," said Todd, who is an educator, noting that young people are sending images of themselves to one another that could be used against them.
That was the case with her daughter, Amanda, who suffered from mental health issues and committed suicide after being cyberbullied.
"Right now, with the kids, it's like the sexual revolution and it's so easy to say and do something you regret that can cause harm. Unfortunately, sexting is out there."
In Coban's case, judges are expected to rule on March 16, after which he could be extradited to Canada to face charges laid in 2014 in Amanda's case.
While attending the trial between Feb. 4 and 14, Todd got a chance to hear the prosecution and defence submissions though a translator and was asked to give two press conferences to the media and appear on a late night talk show to speak about internet safety.
She said she was able to show support for the victims and noted, "Amanda was the only one of the victims who is not with us. If she had known she was not the only one, it would have given her some peace."
Amanda's death at the age of 15 helped bring the issue of cyberbullying to worldwide attention after a video she had previously posted online explaining her experience went viral.
After her daughter's death, Todd started the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, which raises funds for prevention and awareness related to bullying, cyber abuse and internet safety.
Todd, who works as an assistive technology coordinator for School District 43, was able to attend the trial with her partner with funds raised through the crowdfunding website You Caring and said she came away from the experience feeling a sense of satisfaction that the case is being taken seriously.
"Nothing ever really closes. Everything that happens allows that healing process to continue to progress. This is another piece in that circle of healing that allows me to continue and move on."
If convicted, Coban could face up to 10 years and eight months in jail, less time served.
• On March 28, Carol Todd and Jesse Miller, a social media strategist, will be speaking about online safety from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Centennial secondary school during a forum for parents organized by the SD43 District Parent Advisory Council. Information about the free event is available here.
