Teenager being bullied commits suicide

[Susan71]

This happened in a town about 45 minutes from me.
With Jenna going through some hellish tormenting from a group of "mean girls" right now..this gets my blood boiling.
And Jenna is only 10! Imagine what these horrible girls will be like in high school!

Source

Phoebe Prince had recently moved from Ireland and was in 9th grade at south Hadley high.
Like any student in a new country and a new school, she had a tough time adjusting, but its believed that cruel and merciless bullying pushed her to the point of no return.
A memorial of flowers outside the home of 15-year old Phoebe Prince on Newton Street in South Hadley.
It’s been just over a day since the high school freshman took her own.
The family of Prince, too upset to speak on camera, says Phoebe was smart, kind and loving, but often a target for bullying, something that her fellow students confirm.

"I mean someone told her to go hang herself, and I don't really know who that was, but she was getting bullied by some people, because there were people talking about her and I guess she didn't like being hated," said Jessica Chapdelaine

The family says at lunch yesterday Phoebe Prince seemed happy, but something happened after that which made the freshmen inconsolable.
Unrelenting cruelty in the form of text messages, emails and hurtful comments.
South Hadley Superintendent Gus Sayer is aware of the bullying claims, and says it’s a subject the school has taken seriously, even before Princes fatal decision.

"Kids understand the consequences of bullying, we don't tolerate it. We have brought in speakers, Barbara Colderoso probably the best know person on this topic and she spend a full day in our school district earlier this year," said Sayer.

The South Hadley Police along with the Northwestern DA's office are investigating the bullying reports, meanwhile extra grief counselors were brought in to help the students deal with the loss.
Even with the difficult news, some of the students showing no pity, using the girl’s death as an excuse for free time.

"While we were sitting down they were saying like, they were just there to miss out on class, which you know was wrong," said John McKenna.
Despite the cruelty of a few, these students say she liked more than she knew.

"She really did fit in, she was going to go to the dance, and she did have allot of friends, she was going to have a good time, but something just got to her," said Jessica Chapdelaine.

Read some of the comments...this is a big problem in this town...and some horrible girls were leaving nasty messages about this poor girl on the Facebook page that was created in her memory!! Disgusting excuse for human beings!

[audrey]

I saw this today too, and it definitely makes my blood boil as well. We moved from a big city to the tiny village my parents still live in when I was 8, and I was bullied all through the remaining four years of primary school there, just because I wasn't from there, had glasses, was intelligent, didn't have an accent, whatever reason you can think of. It was hell and though I don't think it's a trauma anymore (though I used to be terrified of those kids years and years after when I had nothing whatsoever to do with them anymore), it definitely left its marks that are still visible in my personality. Bullying is far, far worse than just the humiliation and pain at that moment - it mauls a personality for years to come, possibly even the rest of that person's life.

I think you should discuss this with Jenna's school, especially if those girls are from her school too. It's their duty to step in and stop it. And keep telling Jenna that whatever those girls say, none of it is true. Best of luck to both of you ♥

I kind of want to punch things now... They are indeed nothing more than disgusting excuses for human beings.

[WildeWoman]

This is just so heartbreaking!!!!  Poor girl, and her family.  Karma upon those who did this to her.

The school system obviously has had problems with this before, and has turned a blind eye.  I know from personal experience the school my kids go to is the same way.  They place the burden of proof, and the blame, on the child being bullied or abused.  They actually told a friend of mine, whose child was being bullied repeatedly and whose hat had been stolen off his head by said bully - "well, maybe he should take a different path when walking to class, to avoid this problem student."  SERIOUSLY??? WTF?  So an innocent kid has to alter his behavior to avoid the dumb bastard who is at fault?

What is the world coming to?

[JustAGuy]

Sounds like this story http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1915684.html

Happened at an ELEMENTARY school last week in Texas, what could be so bad that would make a 9 year old think thats their only option?

[audrey]

This is just so heartbreaking!!!!  Poor girl, and her family.  Karma upon those who did this to her.

The school system obviously has had problems with this before, and has turned a blind eye.  I know from personal experience the school my kids go to is the same way.  They place the burden of proof, and the blame, on the child being bullied or abused.  They actually told a friend of mine, whose child was being bullied repeatedly and whose hat had been stolen off his head by said bully - "well, maybe he should take a different path when walking to class, to avoid this problem student."  SERIOUSLY??? WTF?  So an innocent kid has to alter his behavior to avoid the dumb bastard who is at fault?

What is the world coming to?

They told them WHAT?! I can't believe fuckers like that are actually allowed to work at a school. I have no words.

Sounds like this story http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1915684.html

Happened at an ELEMENTARY school last week in Texas, what could be so bad that would make a 9 year old think thats their only option?

That's heartbreaking The kid must've gone through absolute hell to think that's the only way out.

[_elle_]

This is just so heartbreaking!!!!  Poor girl, and her family.  Karma upon those who did this to her.

The school system obviously has had problems with this before, and has turned a blind eye.  I know from personal experience the school my kids go to is the same way.  They place the burden of proof, and the blame, on the child being bullied or abused.  They actually told a friend of mine, whose child was being bullied repeatedly and whose hat had been stolen off his head by said bully - "well, maybe he should take a different path when walking to class, to avoid this problem student."  SERIOUSLY??? WTF?  So an innocent kid has to alter his behavior to avoid the dumb bastard who is at fault?

What is the world coming to?

I seriously would've punched that bitch in the face and said, now how do you like being bullied?

[WildeWoman]

I know, right?  This from the PRINCIPAL at my kids' school.  This particular incident happened with a good friend of mine, but I've had similar problems with the administration with my own kids.  My son was in trouble CONSTANTLY for standing up for himself.  This one kid would harrass him, and bully him, and torment him - and we'd report, and nothing would happen.  When my son would reach the end of his rope, and he'd retaliate - guess who was in trouble?  My son.  For standing up for himself.  For not taking rampant harrassment & abuse.  AFTER we'd tried to "play the game" and go through the proper channels of talking to teachers, deans, & principals.

Fuckers.

[EsenciaDeLaFuerza]

[Susan71]

Update...Not sure how keeping the punishment a secret will deter other people from bullying...although I'm sure the whole student body knows what happened to each kid. I just hope at least the leader of the "pack" got expelled. Then she will have to go to a new school...and she won't be the "queen bee" there, that's for sure.

The South Hadley Superintendent says the students who bullied Phoebe Prince will be facing some tough punishment. The declaration comes almost three weeks after the teenager's suicide.

State Representative John Scibak is finally satisfied with the school district's response to Phoebe Prince's death. The young girl hanged herself in January after reportedly being tormented by bullies at South Hadley High.

Scibak says, "Families were concerned with the safety of their children. Are my kids who may have been bullied in the past or are they likely to be bullied and what's going to happen."

Last night School Superintendent Gus Sayer announced the completion of the district's investigation. He says the district has been torn apart and the high schools reputation tainted.

Sayer would not release the identities or the punishments of the students involved in the bullying. However he did say the investigation showed that a group of students did conspire to repeatedly harass and humiliate Phoebe and each will face the most serious consequences.

Scibak says, "I think the statement from the school committee and the Superintendent in terms of the disciplinary actions that are being taken and that this was taken seriously are good. They decided to look at really the most serious consequences for this behavior will help to reassure families that it was taken seriously. It will also help prevent or discourage other kids from engaging in similar behaviors."

School officials say the students involved are facing punishments that may involve long term suspension, expulsion and referral to police for further investigation. But punishment won't happen overnight.
The District Attorney and Police are still investigation. Not to mention each student involved has the right to appeal any accusations.

Scibak says the most important thing is for the school district handle the situation right since every other school system in the state and across the country is watching.

[Ren]

Karma upon those who did this to her.

+1

What is the world coming to?

I'm afraid for my grandbabies...how's it going to be when they get to high school?

[blueluvinurse]

This is just so heartbreaking!!!!  Poor girl, and her family.  Karma upon those who did this to her.

The school system obviously has had problems with this before, and has turned a blind eye.  I know from personal experience the school my kids go to is the same way.  They place the burden of proof, and the blame, on the child being bullied or abused.  They actually told a friend of mine, whose child was being bullied repeatedly and whose hat had been stolen off his head by said bully - "well, maybe he should take a different path when walking to class, to avoid this problem student."  SERIOUSLY??? WTF?  So an innocent kid has to alter his behavior to avoid the dumb bastard who is at fault?

What is the world coming to?

Sadly, this the attitude we came across when we moved here to Plano. My Emma is tiny and meek, which is the perfect combination that makes her a beautiful target to these dumbfuck bullies. So I met with the counselor before we enrolled Emma and asked how they handled bullies because Emma would most likely be bullied and her response "Well, there are going to be bullies every where she goes. We just have to work around them." I was  blown away by the idiocy. Since when did we let the bullies win!?! Fortunately, we have been bully-free thus far. But If it occurs and the school doesn't assist, I will go to the police. I've done it before and will do it again- in a heartbeat. Momma don't play.

[Heretik]

I've already said it and I'll say it again


If the bullying becomes too much when it comes to Susan's kids I will not hesitate to smack a kid upside the head with a skateboard

[audrey]

Fortunately, we have been bully-free thus far. But If it occurs and the school doesn't assist, I will go to the police. I've done it before and will do it again- in a heartbeat. Momma don't play.

I've already said it and I'll say it again

If the bullying becomes too much when it comes to Susan's kids I will not hesitate to smack a kid upside the head with a skateboard

You both win as parents!

Apparently my parents offered me to switch schools, multiple times even (I do not recall anything of that, but then, the whole of primary school is one big blur), but I always refused. I can only guess what my reasons were, but I do know I wish now that I'd done it.

[JustAGuy]

Is it wrong that I take some satisfaction in knowing that my daughter is over 18...that means all of the people she associates with are most likely over 18......if someone messes with her someone is getting fucked up and I dont go to jail for assaulting a minor.

We were lucky, we didnt have any bully problems when casey was in school....maybe thats because every kid that met me was scared of me

[EsenciaDeLaFuerza]

Is it wrong that I take some satisfaction in knowing that my daughter is over 18...that means all of the people she associates with are most likely over 18......if someone messes with her someone is getting fucked up and I dont go to jail for assaulting a minor.

We were lucky, we didnt have any bully problems when casey was in school....maybe thats because every kid that met me was scared of me

I don't think it's wrong.  I wish I had a Daddy that gave a shit.  I moved a million times with a new school each move.  I fended for myself.  It made me a tough girl, but it was a hard life. A very hard life.  I met every kind of bully there is... and now as a mother myself, I can say I intentionally teach my babes how to defend themselves. I don't give them the ok to BE a bully. But I'd rather be in trouble for supporting them in defending themselves then have them develop into the perpetual victim role. Fuck that.  Even victims have a choice in how far that treatment is taken.