The family of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life after relentless bullying has vowed they will not let her story be “swept under the carpet”.
Parents of Year 7 student Charlotte O’Brien allege she was harassed at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield in Sydney’s inner west and on social media for two years before she committed suicide last week.
“She wrote a goodbye note specifically mentioning the bullying she received at the school,” Charlotte’s parents told 2GB.
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“She said life was too difficult for her to continue.
“No words can ever describe what it’s like and life for us will never be the same again.
“I will never get to say goodbye.
“These issues cannot be swept under the carpet. I will not let my daughter’s memory be swept under the carpet either.”
The family said they raised bullying concerns multiple times with teachers at the college and while the school investigated, no further action was taken.
They said they sought medical care for Charlotte, and they were looking into new schools for her before her death.
Santa Sabina College principal Paulina Skerman said “claims” surrounding the teenager’s death were “new to the college and are not consistent with our records”.
“We are continuing to work with counsellors, Headspace and other experts to provide the fullest support,” she said in a statement.
“Since last week, we have had onsite counsellors, our chapel has been available for prayers, and we have worked with Headspace who will be providing information sessions for parents and staff this week.”
Charlotte’s mother, Kelly texted 2GB’s Ben Fordham while he was covering the story on-air and stressed she did not blame other students for her daughter’s death
“Thank you for standing up for Charlotte, something I feel I failed to do,” Kelly said.
“Please, I must stress and I beg I do not wish any little girls to feel responsible for this.
“I don’t want any other mum not being able to wake up their child in the morning. They are also just little girls so they don’t understand. Charlotte made a mistake on a moment of grief, she did not meant to do this, she did not understand.”
Final text message
The father of one of Charlotte’s friends, Jason, went on 2GB to call for greater protection against bullying.
His daughter befriended Charlotte outside school, as both girls were experiencing mental health challenges.
Jason’s daughter was one of the last people to hear from Charlotte before her death, receiving a text message that read, “I’m sorry” along with a photo of her crying the night she died.
“Sorry for what?,” Jason’s daughter replied.
Charlotte did not reply to her friend, who then became concerned about her wellbeing.
“Charlotte. Answer please. Charlotte please. Answer. I want to know you’re alright,” she texted Charlotte.
Kids Helpline service manager, Tony Fitzgerald, advised all parents to provide their children with a safe space to discuss issues they were facing in life.
“We’ve all got a responsibility to check in on the welfare of our children,” he said.
“it is important that we don’t shy away from having conversations around suicide”
Skerman said the school’s “main priority is to support and care for students, their families and staff” as well as “support for this grieving family”.
“We are continuing to work with counsellors, Headspace and other experts to provide the fullest support,” she said in a statement.
“Since last week, we have had onsite counsellors, our chapel has been available for prayers, and we have worked with Headspace who will be providing information sessions for parents and staff this week.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.