The callousness with which some young people use today’s technology is again in the spotlight in the aftermath of the suicide of a 15-year-old California girl who was sexually assaulted by three 16-year-old boys — supposedly friends whom she trusted.

The night of the incident, Audrie Pott had been drinking to the point of passing out at a weekend party at a friend’s house.

She hanged herself after deciding the shame and embarrassment to which she was exposed was too much to bear. She might have found a different solution if she’d sought help from her parents or another adult whom she trusted.

Death became her escape from continuing embarrassment and the realization that she had been violated by many young people, not just the three teens involved in the assault.

Audrie Pott’s story — not only the assault, but also what followed — is a story that needs to be heard by all teens, even young people heading off to college.

Seeing photographs of the assault days later, and assuming they were circulating widely, Audrie quickly learned how cruel other friends can be in today’s peer-pressure, teen environment.

Not only did the assault destroy Audrie’s will to live, but all of the circumstances set in motion by this violation by friends will likely weigh heavily on the lives of all of those involved directly and indirectly for as long as they live.

“The problem with digital technologies is they can expand the harm that people suffer greatly,” said Nancy Willard, an Oregon-based cyberbullying expert.

Those at the party failed to understand or acknowledge the devastating power at their fingertips.

In Audrie’s case, she said on Facebook that her whole school was aware of what had happened — and that her life was ruined.

The pretty teen hung herself in September, eight days after the party, without her parents knowing that she had been assaulted.

The three boys who committed the assault have been arrested on suspicion of sexual battery, though Audrie’s fate will remain on their consciences beyond any sentence they receive.

The Pott family’s lawyer was correct in characterizing what occurred in the days after the assault as “equally insidious as the assault.”

Immaturity coupled with peer pressure is a recipe for trouble and unimaginable consequences. That was the mix that resulted in the premature end of Audrie Pott’s life.

Parents shouldn’t be reluctant to have open, frank discussion with their young people — not only about what happened to Audrie, but about similar dangers to which they could be exposed.

Unfortunately, Audrie never received that message — or, if she did, she chose to ignore it.