Specific instances of bullying itself involved name-calling, public shaming, exclusion, threatening behaviour, physical and verbal assault, theft and even cyber-bullying, as described by the mother of 12-year-old Charlotte whose life became unbearable in Sydney, Australia and ultimately intolerable when Charlotte killed herself in December last year.
This paper aims at discussing some of the lead up events that resulted in the tragedy.
A last message from Charlotte said to a friend was a heartbreaking message saying sorry; the message was accompanied by a photo in which Charlotte was crying proving a point that she was under a lot of pressure. Although, she his friend tried to talk to her, and sought for her to return her calls, Charlotte did not respond further and this was followed by tragedy.
They said that for more than two years, Charlotte had been bullied at Santa Sabina College. They expressed their anger at the school for not addressing their concerns seriously when it came to their complains. This gives them frustration to ensure that changes have to be made in the honours of charlotte and to avoid of repeating the same scenario that befell the children.
Current Concerns with Bullying and Mental Health
Actually, bullying is rather a very relevant and even evolving problem, in which increased incidents of suicides among children are observed. Research shows that suicide rates among youths who are below 12 years and girls in particular has increased sharply and thus calls for increased effort in mental health support and implementation of efficient anti bullying measures. Charlotte would have been eager to contribute back in school, to show that there is hope for all the children with Mental Health problems and for schools to help create environments in which such kids can thrive.
Why Early signals of Mental Health Problems Should Not Be Overlooked
Evidently, specialists pay much attention to the need for learning the symptoms of a child with a mental disorder, just like a four-year-old girl who has recently completely left her friends, who has stopped singing, who has stated she wants to die. Free discussion in front of the children concerning emotions and the topic of suicide should become a key so as to teach children and equip them with necessary instruments and knowledge.
Demand for School Responsiveness and Community Participation
Issues of; increase in school violence, role of security, and failure in handling of the situation have raised some question on the death of Charlotte. A main concern that the principal has expressed is that persons in the public should avoid making hasty comments since they may results from speculation. On the other hand Charlotte’s family still campaigning for justice and accountability to show the society the structural deficiencies that doe not prevent bullying.
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