Bullied Teen’s School Says It Wasn’t Aware Of Abuse That Led To His Suicide

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Published

November 25, 2016

WARNING: This story might be distressing for some readers. If you are in distress, or if you or someone you know are being bullied, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 338 881 for anonymous, 24/7 counselling and advice.

The principal of the school Tyrone Unsworth attended has claimed the school wasn’t aware of any bullying allegations against the 13-year-old, despite previously saying she’d been informed of a violent assault perpetrated on Unsworth by another student outside of school grounds.

In a statement, Jacquinta Miller gave her condolences to his family, who took his own life earlier this week after horrific homophobic bullying, but said staff at Aspley State High School hadn’t been told of the abuse.

“Let me be very clear: no allegation of bullying against this young person was made to our school.

Neither the student nor his family ever came to us to say there was a problem of any kind.

If they did, we absolutely would have stepped in.

The safety and wellbeing of everyone in our school is our highest priority and we do not tolerate bullying in any way, shape or form.”

Previously, Unsworth’s mother Amanda said Tyrone had been beaten with a star picket by another student while out of school grounds. The ABC reports Miller admitted to being aware of that incident.

Aspley State High School didn’t immediately reply to a request for more information.

Tyrone‘s tragic suicide has shattered young LGBTIQ people and allies across the country, with stories of the horrific abuse that led to the 13 year old’s death touching a nerve. It’s inspired many young people to share their own stories of bullying, both in and out of educational institutions.

Tyrone’s death has furthered calls to fully roll out the Safe Schools program, with a rally in Sydney today giving many the opportunity to share condolences and push for education reform.

I’ll be saying a few words at the marriage equality rally tomorrow in Sydney – then collecting signatures to save Safe Schools. Come. pic.twitter.com/qD4GyjdfFg

— Samuel Leighton-Dore (@SamLeightonDore) November 25, 2016

Marriage equality rally in Sydney today! We ?? this sign! pic.twitter.com/RpT61EdEVy

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) November 26, 2016

Marriage equality rally has arrived in Pitt Street Mall ?????????? pic.twitter.com/X1jWZwXHv7

— Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) November 26, 2016

If you feel strongly about the Safe Schools Coalition – the best thing you can do is contact your local member of Federal Parliament.

Source: Brisbane Times.

Image: Supplied.