Reports of violence at school and suicide among teenagers used to be restricted to isolated incidents. Today, however, the incidence of both has risen alarmingly.
Furthermore, cyber-bullying may play a role in this – statistics reveal that almost 50 per cent of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 20 have experienced cyber-bullying.
Amy Gallagher is a middle school English teacher who had the terrible experience of one of her students taking their own life last year: “She was in year 8 and posted her last message and photo on Facebook before she took her life,” she explained.
Two school counsellors were present for students and teachers in the aftermath. Leaflets were also distributed and teachers were tasked with looking out for signs in the classroom.
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