Ayla
21-11-2008, 01:44 PM
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24103523-1242,00.html
By Bruce McDougall
The Daily Telegraph
July 31, 2008 12:43am
SCHOOL bullying has claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy who hanged himself at home after a series of violent run-ins with schoolmates.
The teenager's death, directly linked to the hated practice of bullying, has traumatised his family, school friends and an entire community.
Alex Wildman, a Year 9 student at Kadina High School at Lismore in northern NSW, was found dead in his home last Friday. The tragedy has prompted the NSW Opposition to call on the Government to hold an inquiry into bullying issues.
Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Alex, who moved to Lismore from Ingleburn in Sydney's south-west seven months ago, was attacked during the July school holidays and then assaulted again last week.
It is understood a distraught Alex took his own life on Thursday and his body was found on Friday morning.
Fellow students said the sports-loving boy was "picked on" after getting into a fight.
Yesterday the teenager's mother, Justine Kelly, was too upset to comment on the reasons for her son's death.
But she said: "It (bullying) is the only thing I can put it down to."
Lismore Police confirmed they are investigating the death but said it was not considered suspicious.
Widespread bullying seriously affects tens of thousands of school students every year.
Last year the NSW Opposition called for an inquiry after The Daily Telegraph revealed students were being intimidated and robbed at bus stops, train stations, shopping malls and in and around schools.
A female student at Kadina High said yesterday Alex had been in a fight last week and was targeted again.
His funeral will be held today in Lismore with his coffin adorned by paraphernalia of the sports he loved - soccer and motor cycling.
Yesterday Ms Kelly spoke of a "placid six footer" who loved his family completely.
"Everything about Alex was unconditional - he loved everyone," she said.
As she was comforted by family members, Ms Kelly said her son was competitive and ambitious, with plans to become a mechanic and travel around Australia in a 4WD.
Opposition education spokesman Andrew Stoner last night urged the Iemma Government to call an inquiry into bullying issues.
"Bullying is hard to stamp out in all instances but we have to try," Mr Stoner said,
"Our hearts go out to the family of Alex Wildman.
"It is vital the Government implements a strong anti-bullying program in our schools."
By Bruce McDougall
The Daily Telegraph
July 31, 2008 12:43am
SCHOOL bullying has claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy who hanged himself at home after a series of violent run-ins with schoolmates.
The teenager's death, directly linked to the hated practice of bullying, has traumatised his family, school friends and an entire community.
Alex Wildman, a Year 9 student at Kadina High School at Lismore in northern NSW, was found dead in his home last Friday. The tragedy has prompted the NSW Opposition to call on the Government to hold an inquiry into bullying issues.
Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Alex, who moved to Lismore from Ingleburn in Sydney's south-west seven months ago, was attacked during the July school holidays and then assaulted again last week.
It is understood a distraught Alex took his own life on Thursday and his body was found on Friday morning.
Fellow students said the sports-loving boy was "picked on" after getting into a fight.
Yesterday the teenager's mother, Justine Kelly, was too upset to comment on the reasons for her son's death.
But she said: "It (bullying) is the only thing I can put it down to."
Lismore Police confirmed they are investigating the death but said it was not considered suspicious.
Widespread bullying seriously affects tens of thousands of school students every year.
Last year the NSW Opposition called for an inquiry after The Daily Telegraph revealed students were being intimidated and robbed at bus stops, train stations, shopping malls and in and around schools.
A female student at Kadina High said yesterday Alex had been in a fight last week and was targeted again.
His funeral will be held today in Lismore with his coffin adorned by paraphernalia of the sports he loved - soccer and motor cycling.
Yesterday Ms Kelly spoke of a "placid six footer" who loved his family completely.
"Everything about Alex was unconditional - he loved everyone," she said.
As she was comforted by family members, Ms Kelly said her son was competitive and ambitious, with plans to become a mechanic and travel around Australia in a 4WD.
Opposition education spokesman Andrew Stoner last night urged the Iemma Government to call an inquiry into bullying issues.
"Bullying is hard to stamp out in all instances but we have to try," Mr Stoner said,
"Our hearts go out to the family of Alex Wildman.
"It is vital the Government implements a strong anti-bullying program in our schools."