Thursday, April 1, 2010

Girl Suicides Due to Bullying

Phoebe Prince was a 15 year old girl who suicided on January 14th after a difficult day in school. That day, Prince was harassed in the library. This was actually in the presence of faculty members and other students. However, no one reported it until after the death. It turns out to be that this was not an unusual occasion. Nine teenagers were charged for being involved in bullying Phoebe Prince for three months. They were not happy about Pheobe's relationship with a male student that actually ended 6 weeks before. Phoebe was bullied mostly on school ground, rather than through electronics or such. Furthermore, Phoebe being bullied was known to most of the students and faculty, but nothing was done. Some faculty tried to intervene, but this was inconsistent as well. Charges for these nine students include statutory rape, violation of civil rights with bodily injury resulting, criminal harassment, assault through a dangerous weapon, and stalking. The boys charged for statutory rape may be in prison for life.

If the faculty had stronger rules Phoebe's death could have been prevented. If only the people who knew of this like teachers or other students stood up and did something, this tragedy would not have happened. It is obvious that these bullys didn't know the massive impact they had on Phoebe's life, and it is also clear that Phoebe was struggling because of them. I think that this could have been prevented so easily, which is why it is that much more a tragedy. The rules that the faculty followed were not consistent, and making sure that the faculty knows what they need to do in cases such as this is crucial. Precaution could have allowed people to be aware and careful even before sacrificing Phoebe Prince's life. I think that all school boards need to go over their rules to make sure the faculty know exactly how to react and stop the bullying or harrassment in the school. There should never be a life lost like Prince's again.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/30/massachusetts.bullying.suicide/index.html?iref=allsearch