Sask. teen Todd Loik takes life after being bullied, mother says
Todd Loik was described as victim of cyberbullying
A North Battleford, Sask., mother says her teenage son took his life after years of being tormented by bullies.
Kim Loik discovered the body of her son, Todd, 15, in their home on Sept. 9. The student at North Battleford Comprehensive High School died two weeks before his 16th birthday.
"He wasn't a bad kid," his mother said. "He just wanted to fit in and enjoy life."
His mother said that the attacks by playground bullies began years ago and alleges the abuse escalated into "non-stop" cyberbullying,
"It was non-stop taunting," she said, adding that the cyberbullying started about two years ago.
At first, Todd would show her what the bullies posted on Facebook, then he stopped showing her. It was obscene and exhibited "nastiness," she said.
RCMP said two investigators are working on the case to determine if there was criminal harassment or the uttering of threats.
Advice to parents
Schools and families need to do more to rein in bullies, she said, and tells parents in the same situation to never give up.
"Continuously talk to the school," she said. "If they shrug their shoulders and say there's nothing they can do, keep hounding them."
Raising money to combat bullying
Todd's family is now raising money for other bullied children and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is thanking them.
"First of all, what a gesture from the family to be dealing with this loss and to be thinking then how can they somehow make this tragic loss a benefit, a legacy for others," Wall told reporters in Regina today.
Wall said the government will release its anti-bullying strategy soon and is considering a similar website to report bullying as British Columbia has.
"Not just kids, but others," Wall said. "And in talking to Premier Clark, this is being utilized, this online reporting is being used and authorities, teachers and principals and those in authority are able to act."