Jason was 13 when he hanged himself with his school tie. He had been bullied for three years. It started when he was at primary school and continued when he moved to secondary school. Jason was described as a quiet, sensitive young man who loved to play on his computer and with his pet dog. He was looking forward to a career in the Royal Navy. Instead, he endured three years of bullying which resulted in his suicide to escape it.
Jason's story is a tragic one. It shows just how bullying can completely destroy lives.
Thousands of people are bullied every day. It's not their fault. If someone is picking on you, it's because of a choice they have made.
But there are things you can do, however impossible it seems.
Lucy is 16 and was bullied for two years before she found the courage to tell someone what was happening to her.
She said: “Bullying made my life hell. You feel like you can't get away from it. Even when I was at home, it was going through my head. I tried everything to make it stop. I tried being nice, making jokes, avoiding eye contact, missing school. It didn't work.“
“Eventually, I told my dad. I was really nervous. I even practised what I was going to say but it was alright. We talked about it quite a few times after that. We went to see the teacher together after school. “I don't know how but the punching and name-calling started to ease off. It didn't change overnight but things did get better.”
If you are being bullied,
Tell someone about it. Lucy told her dad. But you can tell anyone you trust - your parents, your teacher or a friend. If it helps, keep a diary of what's happening to you and give it to them to read. It's not about grassing someone up. It's about asking for help.
Every day in the UK at least 2 young people (aged 15-24) take their own life. Suicide is the 2nd most common cause of death among young people. In many cases, it's because of bullying.
If you find it difficult to talk to someone you know about what's happening to you, call
Childline on 0800 1111.
You won't even have to give them your name, unless you want to. Calls are free and the number won't show up on the phone bill.
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