In 2015, there was a 13 year old 7th grader, who became depressed because she was being bullied at school, bad grades, and also being bullied online. She became so depressed that she started doing self-harm. At school , her grade level principal noticed scars on her wrists and he became worried about her. The next day, during 3rd hour, he pulled her out of class and into the hallway. He asked her, "Is everything ok? I have noticed scars on your wrists and I became worried about you. Can you tell me what is going on?". She said, "Okay, I will tell you". She said to him, "I'm getting bullied here at school and online. Also, my grades are terrible and I am worried that I will fail 7th grade". He asked her, "What websites are you getting bullied on?" She told him,"Mostly Instagram, but also Twitter and Facebook". He asked her,"What kinds of things are they saying about you?". "They're saying that I am a dirty whore, a worthless bitch, a piece of shit, and that I should kill myself, I take up too much space, I don't belong in this world, etc". She said. He asked her, "Can you bring your phone to my office and show me what they are saying?". She agreed. She went to her locker to get her phone, but when she opened it, a note fell out and it read,"Go kill yourself! You're a disgusting fatass whore! No one likes you and you have no friends! Just do us a favor and kill yourself because you don't belong in this world!" She then started crying. When he noticed that she didn't come back to his office, he went to her locker to see what she was doing. He found her sitting on the floor, crying. He immediately went over to her to comfort her and asked her, "What's wrong?". She told him to read the note. He read it and said, "Emma, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I was bullied just like this when I was your age. Everything is going to be ok. You can get through this. I know you can. You're a strong person. You can get through this". She replied, "Thanks. That really means a lot". He asked her, "Can you come to my office and bring your phone with you?". She agreed. When she got to his office, he locked the door. While she was still crying, he hugged her and said, "Everything is going to be ok. It will get better." She said, "Thanks". They then talked about what people are saying about her online. After they finished talking, he said to her, "Now, if you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here for you." She replied, "Thank you. It is really nice to have someone like you to talk to in situations like this". He replied, "Alright, bye-bye. Have a nice day." She replied with, "You too". She then went back to class. The next day, she didn't arrive at school. He thought she was just sick or something and just let it go. But, when she didn't show up for 3 more days, he emailed her parents and asked them where she was and why she wasn't at school. They replied with, "We thought she was at school." Her parents went up to her room to check and see if she was in there. They found her in her closet hanging, with a note laying next to her. The note read, "Thank you so much Mom and Dad for being the best parents ever. But with all the bullying going on at school and online, I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I will miss you guys a lot." Her parents then emailed her principal and said, "We just went to her room and we found her hanging in her closet with a suicide note next to her." He replied with, "I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your daughter. She was a very smart and bright student. She will be deeply missed. I will let her teachers now about this. If either your son or your other daughters need counseling, just have them come to my office. Again, I am terribly sorry for your loss." The next day over morning announcements, he started with, "I have very sad news for all of you. A tragedy occurred in our school community last night. A girl that goes to our school, Emma Hudson, committed suicide. If any of you need counseling, just go to your grade level office. I would like for everyone to take a moment of silence to remember Emma. (Moment of Silence). Emma Hudson will be deeply missed.
If anyone is having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline
at 1-800-273-8255.
