Don't ignore kids driven to suicide from homophobic bullying – provide victims counselling

The issue

** Trigger warning: this petition deals with issues of self harm and suicide. If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 ** ​I am a fifteen year old who tried to commit suicide after years of being bullied because I'm gay - I'm different. I would tell the teacher's and my mum would talk to the Principal but nothing was ever done. I was bashed with a skateboard. The Police and school didn't care. My mum even spoke to the Education Department. No body helped and I just felt alone. I was told by one boy that he was going to stab me to death and I was on the top of his kill list. My mum told the Principal and he found a machete in his locker. He only got a three day suspension and then all his friend's said I was going to get bashed for dobbing. I didn't go back to the school again after that. I tried to kill myself and after that my Psychiatrist admitted me to hospital. I spent a bit of time there.  I have been seeing a Psychologist for two years. It has cost my mum so much money. I have had so much time off school because of my Depression.  I am still no where near recovered. Sometimes I self harm to cope. It takes the pain from my head and makes me focus on something else. My childhood was taken away and this has effected my whole family.  I feel so guilty that my mum has spent so much time and money on me. 3 girls took their lives last year. ​The Education Minister knows this is a huge problem in schools. Kid's don't just get called Homophobic names and told to kill themselves everyday without causing them damage. I am so scared for my younger siblings who still have years of school left. I am asking the Education Minister James Merlino to provide bullied kid's with free counselling with Psychologists and Psychiatrists.  No-one deserves to feel that their life doesn't matter. Bullying is a MAJOR problem and it needs to be stopped NOW! Please sign this petition so every child can have the resources they need if they find themselves in the same position as me.   
This petition had 58,122 supporters

The issue

** Trigger warning: this petition deals with issues of self harm and suicide. If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 ** ​I am a fifteen year old who tried to commit suicide after years of being bullied because I'm gay - I'm different. I would tell the teacher's and my mum would talk to the Principal but nothing was ever done. I was bashed with a skateboard. The Police and school didn't care. My mum even spoke to the Education Department. No body helped and I just felt alone. I was told by one boy that he was going to stab me to death and I was on the top of his kill list. My mum told the Principal and he found a machete in his locker. He only got a three day suspension and then all his friend's said I was going to get bashed for dobbing. I didn't go back to the school again after that. I tried to kill myself and after that my Psychiatrist admitted me to hospital. I spent a bit of time there.  I have been seeing a Psychologist for two years. It has cost my mum so much money. I have had so much time off school because of my Depression.  I am still no where near recovered. Sometimes I self harm to cope. It takes the pain from my head and makes me focus on something else. My childhood was taken away and this has effected my whole family.  I feel so guilty that my mum has spent so much time and money on me. 3 girls took their lives last year. ​The Education Minister knows this is a huge problem in schools. Kid's don't just get called Homophobic names and told to kill themselves everyday without causing them damage. I am so scared for my younger siblings who still have years of school left. I am asking the Education Minister James Merlino to provide bullied kid's with free counselling with Psychologists and Psychiatrists.  No-one deserves to feel that their life doesn't matter. Bullying is a MAJOR problem and it needs to be stopped NOW! Please sign this petition so every child can have the resources they need if they find themselves in the same position as me.   

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The Decision Makers

James Merlino
Minister for Education, Victoria
Responded
Bullying will not be tolerated in our schools. All children and young people have a right to be treated with dignity and respect no matter their background, disability or sexual orientation The allegations raised in this case are deeply concerning and I have asked the Department to investigate. All schools must have in place policies and procedures to prevent bullying and to ensure the safety and well-being of students. There are a range of expert services and supports available to students who are victims of bullying within schools such as student wellbeing coordinators, chaplains and through School Services Support Officers, such as psychologists, social workers and guidance officers. I am pleased that Nathan is currently in school and continuing his education. This clearly demonstrates his resilience and courage in extremely difficult circumstances.
James Merlino
James Merlino
Education Minister, Victoria
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