September 30, 2016
League rangatahi draws linked from bullying to suicide
A Whangarei teenager has linked high rates of youth suicide to a growing culture of bullying in schools.
In an impassioned speech to the Maori Women’s Welfare League conference in Auckland, the Otangarei 13-year-old says bullying was rife at her all-girls’ school, and she herself was picked on as a light-skinned Maori for hanging out with other Maori girls.
Apart from physical attacks, there was also the insidious use of language whether through speech or on social media, that wears away at people’s spirits and makes them feel vulnerable and broken.
"Nowadays bullying is leading straight to suicide. Many teens think it is their only option and it is becoming extremely common. No one realises the damage they cause when they are bullying their peers. They often get a thrill out of it. They feel tough and cool, but would you still be feeling cool if your actions cause someone’s death," she says.
There needs to be more talk about bulling at school, and support offered for those who seek it.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com