Bullying may be a factor in the suicide of 11 year-old Celina Okwuone, according to her diary

Bullying may be a factor in the suicide of 11 year-old Celina Okwuone, according to her diary

May 26, 8:34 AM
Broward County Parenting Teens Examiner
Sue Scheff



What prompts an 11 year-old fifth grader to commit suicide? What drives them to a closet with a belt to end their life? What could possibly be so bad that you cannot go on living? It comes back to that horrible world of bullying!

In Florida we have heard these bullying stories too often. In October 2009 Michael Brewer, 15 year-old, was nearly burned to death by other teens. In March of 2010 Josie Ratley, 15 years-old, was nearly beaten to death. In April 2010 Anthony Jones, 16 year-old, was shot and allegedly on a text hit list.

Now we have an 11 year old in Port St. Lucie, Florida, that felt life, just over a decade long, was too difficult to deal with. Celina Okwuone was found in her bedroom closet by her parents. Police say she used a belt to wrap around her neck and she had wrapped the belt around the metal shelving. Her father tried to lift her up and her mother tore the shelving from the wall.

According to reports, her parents later found her diary where she had written that she was being bullied by classmates at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Fort Pierce.

It is time to check your School Climate and BullyBust your communities! If you haven't had the time to form or take part in an anti-bullying.

Watch video below. Many prayers and thoughts are with the Owuone family and friends.



http://www.examiner.com/x-19494-Broward-County-Parenting-Teens-Examiner~y2010m5d26-Bullying-may-be-a-factor-in-the-suicide-of-11-yearold-Celina-Okuone-according-to-her-diary

These stories break my heart. Kids can be so very cruel to one another. If only the students would tell someone what is happening to them and open up. And if they do tell a school official, and nothing's done, they need to be fired or reprimanded. I agree with a Bully Buster program, if it's posted throughout the school as protocol, maybe more quiet and backward students would come forward for help if they felt safe in reporting what they are going through.

I can't help but think that the fault perhaps lies somewhat with the bullies' parents for not teaching their children to be kind to everybody. I know a lot needs to be done through the school system but at some point, the parents have to take responsibility too...

It is definitely way past time for parents, teachers, counselors, etc. to stand up and take control. I cannot believe things are so out of control - seems like the adults all the way around are just a bunch of wimps.

I may sound a little harsh, but bullying that leads to suicide and kids murdering kids is just crazy!