Bullied to death. Those three words were the subject of two major newspaper stories this week.
Mixed race Mia O’Neill took her own life two months ago after being targeted due to the colour of her skin.
The horror death of vulnerable Ana Kriegel also dominated the headlines as her two teen killers were sentenced for her murder this week.
Just a couple of weeks ago, 2FM presenter Jennifer Zamparelli revealed she was beaten to a pulp every day by nasty classmates.
While Lottie Ryan told of how her dad Gerry would give her a pep talk every day before she faced bullies, she later had to move school.
Both women spoke eloqently of how their experiences have left them mentally scarred.
Their stories pre-date social media and when kids didn’t have a phone at a young age.
Bullying online has become an epidemic in Ireland.
What the youth of today are dealing with is extremely sinister.
Earlier this week, frustrated mums spoke to Joe Duffy’s Liveline show about bullying in school yards across the country.
It seems everyone is a target nowadays. My young niece had a small red spider-vein under her eye, which she begged to have removed because of constant mocking.
She was eight years old at the time.
Despite being terrified of needles, she was adamant to have it removed by her GP.
Sadly, there will always be bullies so the onus needs to be on how we, as a society, can tackle them.
Schools, parents and the Government all need to step up. And now. After one incident it needs to be punished severely.
We shouldn’t have the mentality that if a child bullies again that’s when we’ll take action. If they’re at an age where they know better there shouldn’t be a second chance.
Some parents will think “not my Johnny” when it’s likely their child causing hell for another.
We need to come down hard on the culprits, and have zero tolerance.
Give a warning to kids in schools but if they do it again expel them.
Why shouldn’t we be extreme in our punishment? If your child is unhappy and the school isn’t doing a thing, move them. Easier said than done but your child’s happiness should be your priority.
And more importantly, sit down with your child and speak to them about bullying. Inform them of the consequences and punishment.
Having said that, I am aware there will be many situations that are unavoidable but that’s not to say we can’t decrease the chances or change our approach and attitude.
Let’s hope the recent tragic events have taught us all a lesson and will be a reality check for both young and old.
