Suicide of Audrie Pott

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Suicide of Audrie Pott occurred on September 10, 2012, in Saratoga, California, United States. Audrie Pott, a 15-year-old high school student, took her own life after being sexually assaulted by three of her peers and subsequently bullied online. The incident sparked a national conversation about cyberbullying, sexual assault, and the effects of social media on teenagers' lives.

Background[edit | edit source]

Audrie Pott was a student at Saratoga High School. On September 2, 2012, she attended a party where she became intoxicated. During the party, Pott was sexually assaulted by three teenage boys, who also took photographs of the assault. These photographs were then shared on social media platforms, leading to widespread bullying and shaming of Pott.

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

The suicide of Audrie Pott led to significant media coverage and public outcry, particularly concerning the role of social media in the bullying and harassment of teenagers. The tragedy highlighted the need for better education and policies regarding digital citizenship, privacy, and consent.

Following her death, the Audrie Pott Foundation was established by her family. The foundation aims to provide support and educational resources on topics such as teen bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention.

Legal Proceedings[edit | edit source]

The three teenagers involved in the assault were arrested and charged with sexual battery. The case was handled in juvenile court, and the details of the sentencing were not made public due to the ages of the individuals involved.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The suicide of Audrie Pott has had a lasting impact on discussions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in preventing bullying and harassment. It has also contributed to the development of laws aimed at combating cyberbullying and protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals online.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Suicide of Audrie Pott Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD