Charlotte’s family has criticized her school’s response to claims that she was being bullied, stating that they had raised the issue multiple times over the past two years. They had sought therapy and medical help for Charlotte and were in the process of finding a new school for her. Charlotte had expressed to her mother that she was in extreme pain and felt like her heart was going to explode.
The principal of Santa Sabina, where Charlotte attended school, issued a statement expressing that the school’s priority was to care for the community during their grief. The school had provided counselors, experts from mental health organization Headspace, and chaplaincy services. The principal stated that the claims about the circumstances leading to Charlotte’s death were inconsistent with the school’s records, urging the media to report with care to avoid creating further issues for vulnerable young people.
In 2023, 936 people in NSW took their own lives, with 23 of them being under the age of 18. Experts note that common risk factors for youth suicide include mental health conditions, physical disabilities, bullying, family problems, and grief. It is usually a combination of factors that contribute to suicide, rather than a single cause. Bullying is a significant issue for families and schools, with Australia having some of the highest rates of bullying globally.
While the previous advice was to avoid discussing suicide to prevent contagion, experts now stress the importance of openly discussing it with children and teens. Parents are encouraged to ask children what they already know about suicide and answer their questions honestly. A key message for children is that problems are not irresolvable and can always be worked through with the help of others. Experts emphasize the need for families to reach out for support when facing challenges.
Jakqui Barnfield of Mental Health First Aid International expressed condolences to Charlotte’s family and highlighted the pressures faced by adolescents, including academic performance, social dynamics, and personal identity issues. The influence of social media and the impact of the pandemic have also contributed to rising rates of mental health struggles among students. Schools need to be equipped with tools, training, and resources to effectively support students facing mental health challenges.
The suicide of 14-year-old Dolly Everett in 2018, after being bullied, prompted her parents to start Dolly’s Dream, an organization that addresses the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide through education and support. Resources such as Kids Helpline, Youth Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Sane, and Dolly’s Dream are available for those in need of support. It is crucial for schools, families, and communities to work together to address mental health challenges and provide the necessary support for young people facing difficulties.
