Charlotte’s family has criticized their daughter’s school, Santa Sabina, for their response to claims that she was being bullied. They claim to have raised the issue many times over the past two years and had taken Charlotte to therapy and a doctor. Despite their efforts, they were still trying to find a new school for Charlotte. Charlotte expressed to her mother that her body was filled with pain “until my heart explodes”. The school’s principal, Paulina Skerman, stated that the school’s priority was to care for the school community during their grief and had provided counselors, experts from mental health organization Headspace, and chaplaincy services. Skerman also mentioned that claims about the circumstances leading to Charlotte’s death were inconsistent with the school’s records, urging the media to report carefully to prevent further issues for vulnerable young people.
In 2023, 936 people in NSW took their own lives, with 23 of them being under 18. Nine of these individuals were girls and 14 were boys. Suicide has claimed an average of 26 minors per year since the NSW Suicide Monitoring System was introduced in 2020. Experts note that the most common risk factors for youth suicide are a mental health condition or physical disability, but factors such as bullying, family problems, and grief also contribute. Bullying remains an ongoing issue for families and schools, with Australia having leading rates of bullying internationally. While it was once advised to avoid discussing suicide, experts now stress the importance of talking about it with children and teenagers, starting by asking them what they know and answering their questions.
Jakqui Barnfield from Mental Health First Aid International expressed condolences to Charlotte’s family and highlighted the profound emotional, physical, and social changes that adolescents experience. The pressures of academic performance, social dynamics, personal identity, social media influence, and the added impact of the pandemic have contributed to a rise in mental health struggles among students. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts have been increasing among teenagers, emphasizing the need for schools to be equipped with tools, training, and resources to effectively support students. The suicide of 14-year-old Dolly Everett in 2018, after severe bullying, led her parents to establish Dolly’s Dream, a foundation addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide through education and support.
Despite efforts to combat youth suicide and bullying, there is still a need for increased awareness and support for young people facing mental health challenges. Bullying, family issues, and grief are just some of the risk factors that contribute to youth suicide, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support for vulnerable individuals. It is essential for schools and parents to have the necessary tools and resources to address these issues effectively and provide a safe and supportive environment for young people. Organizations like Dolly’s Dream and mental health support hotlines are available to provide assistance and resources to those in need. By raising awareness and promoting open discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and bullying, communities can work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for young individuals.
