Sunday, 10 November 2013

Chloe's Law. Say NO to bullying!

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Did anyone watch 60 minutes on TV last night?  There was a documentary about a bright, beautiful young teenager that tragically took her own life, as she felt it was her only escape from the horrendous (and totally unnecessary) bullying that she had endured.  It left me feeling physically sick!  Like a stone made of lead had sunk to the pit of my stomach.  I just CANNOT comprehend how children (or anyone) can be so cruel to each other.

Chloe Elizabeth Fergusson was a 15 year old teenager from Tasmania who should have had her whole life to look forward to.  Instead she was physically and mentally bullied until she felt that she had no other way out but to take her own life.  What's even more tragic is that due to the fairly new phenomenon of Cyber Bullying via Social Media, she literally had no safe place.  The sad truth is that Chloe is not the only one.

I truly believe that it is every parents responsibility to teach their children empathy and to make sure that they understand that bullying of ANY KIND is wrong and unacceptable.  I often wonder if the bullies actually realise how they are making their victim feel, and the dramatic effect that their actions are having on a person life.  Would they continue to bully if they really understood what it felt like to be on the receiving end??

We should also teach our children how to recognise bullying if they see it and to have the courage to report it. Chloe's attacks were reported to the police ,but currently there are no formal anti bullying laws in place, so nothing could be done.  Chloe's amazing sister Cassie has created the campaign "Chloe's Law' to help make that change.

If you would like to get involved and 'SAY NO TO BULLYING' you can find more information the Chloe's Law Facebook Page.  You can also wear a blue ribbon today to show your support.

If you missed 60 Minutes last night you can watch it HERE.







If you read this and need something to talk to, you can phone the Kids Helpline on 1800 551800 or head to www.headspace.org.au or www.reachout.com
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2 comments:

  1. Me10 November 2013 at 19:42

    I didn't see it but it breaks my heart to think that she felt that was her only option - so very sad !!!
    Take care !
    Me

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  2. Seana Smith12 November 2013 at 16:16

    Oh I don't want to watch it... jeez, life is hard as a teenager. My boys are OK and there doesn't seem to be so much bullying with boys as there is with girls. We keep a really close eye on what goes on computer-wise with them. I heard a quote recently: 'Don't commit suicide, you're killing the wrong person.' And there's so much truth in that.

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