By Chris Coulter
Many of you know our family's story by now. Our daughter Maddie tragically took her own life at the tender age of fourteen and forever changed the lives of our family and friends. Sadly, this is not a unique story. Maddie's Mom, our boys and friends have made it a personal mission to tell our story, bring greater awareness to youth mental illness and help create better access for those families currently affected by this troubling disease. With all this attention being paid to this illness, largely promoted through the likes of social media, are we fuelling the fire and putting the idea of suicide in our youths' heads.
When I was growing up, suicide was rarely discussed largely because it was seldom publicized. I personally never knew anyone who committed suicide or even attempted it for that matter. We have all dealt with our share of heartache and disappointment growing up but I never looked at ending my life because of being dumped or a bad test result. By discussing mental illness and suicide publicly, we may be reducing the stigma but are we also potentially glamourizing suicide as an option for our youths' despair. I know this isn't the intent of these campaigns and all the positive steps being taken to help extinguish this epidemic. But are there many youth today that can make the claim that they've never been affected by someone's suicide or attempted suicide?
Social media isn't going anywhere. In fact, there are so many new social media outlets being introduced every month. I look at some of these youths that have a thousand, five thousand or ten thousand followers. A single post can impact the lives of tens of thousands of people. That is powerful and yet hauntingly dangerous. Of these thousands of followers, how many do these kids actually know or even understand the followers' intent.
Social media opens us up to scrutiny, vulnerability and personal attacks. Personal anecdotes are subject to criticism and abuse. I've been supported through many FaceBook friends through our ordeal with Madeline and my business is promoted by the blogs I post on LinkedIn. I'm extremely grateful and humbled by the number of reads and shares that I get after a post. My blog is read and shared by thousands of readers around the world. The power of social media is incredible and its reach is mind-boggling.
With all the good, also comes social media's detractors. There are people who read my posts about Madeline and think that I'm living on the edge of despair and in jeopardy of taking my life. People will always interpret what they want to interpret but for me it's therapy. Although I'm not always in the mood for writing, it does help me and puts things into perspective. I feel like I have a social obligation because I receive a lot of personal messages from people telling me that my blogs have helped answer questions they may have, to seek help or gives them comfort in knowing that they're not alone in their suffering. For me, the benefit of social media far outweighs the public scrutiny that it may bring me.
It's social media and the youth that concerns me. A case in point, a close family friend and I talk regularly. I'm honoured that he feels comfortable in confiding in me. He's the very reason why I feel social media is dangerous. In a game that's measured by likes and followers, we allow people into our forums that we shouldn't and invite others' ulterior motives and public scrutiny. This wonderful kid has been told by his "friends" to go kill himself and this comment was liked by several other "friends". The cruelty amongst some kids today is unconscionable. Do they even know what they're putting into print? In a world that celebrates diversity, how can this be tolerated? The sad part that my young friend isn't the only victim and cyberbullying has caused so many youths to take their own lives.
Amanda Todd was one such victim of cyberbullying. The weight of this burden eventually caused her so much grief and anguish that she took her own life. A young, beautiful life extinguished far too early. Amanda's Mom, Carol Todd has made it her life purpose to bring awareness to cyberbullying through The Amanda Todd Legacy Society. Carol is doing amazing work. She speaks at events around the world. She influences public policy. She is making politicians, educators, parents and youth think twice about what they post and that these actions have consequences. We need to protect and preserve our youths' innocence in real life and online. For as much as Carol's work is gaining momentum, we need more champions like Carol and less victims like Amanda.
Let's have these real conversations with our kids. Let's make it our business to be in our kids' online and real lives. Let's make our kids feel supported even though there are times where they feel very alone and vulnerable. Let's not be naive that this only happens to other people's kids.
Please share and help to support The Maddie Project by bringing greater awareness and access for youths and their families affected by depression and other mental illnesses.
Please share and help to support The Amanda Todd Legacy Society that focuses on awareness and the well-being of individuals with respect to prevention and awareness relating to bullying, cyber abuse and internet safety as well as resources and education that encourage mental wellness and healthy living.
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