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Targeting social media shifts blame

Re: Social media to blame for teen’s death (Letters, Oct. 19)

Re: Social media to blame for teen’s death (Letters, Oct. 19)

Letter writer Eileen Nattrass would have us believe that Amanda Todd would not have committed suicide were it not for “these immoral websites” that “need to be shut down immediately.”

This line of thinking is insulting to most people’s intelligence because it excuses the behaviour of the people involved, and attempts to transfer the blame to social media websites and their shareholders.

Perhaps “the powers that be” should also blame auto makers, and ban these immoral motor vehicles immediately, because sometimes teenagers drink alcohol, drive, have car accidents and die.

What exactly would Ms. Nattrass suggest the shareholders at General Motors do about the consequences that drivers experience after making poor choices while using their products, the same products that most people use on a daily basis without incident.

There are laws in place to deal with people who cause harm to others, and I am confident that the bullies who tormented Amanda Todd will ultimately be brought to justice for any unlawful behaviours.

However, knee-jerk reactions that attempt to shift the blame to innocent parties are neither useful nor helpful.

Robert Waters

Saanich