More than 1,000 pupils at an English secondary school have launched a campaign against cyber-bullying – after hearing of the death of tragic Erin Gallagher.
Pupils at Thirsk High School in North Yorkshire launched the campaign saying they didn’t want a suicide in their school.
The pupils heard about the 13 year old Ballybofey schoolgirl’s death in October.
Erin, a pupil at Finn Valley College, took her own life at her home in Ballybofey after constant online and physical bullying.
Concerned parent Tarek Ghouri became aware of Erin’s tragic plight after learning his daughter Natasha was being abused online in England.
Mr Ghouri’s daughter Natasha, 14, was being abused on the ask.fm website and he began to research it.
Mr Ghouri said “My daughter was being abused online. I researched it and was horrified to see ask.fm allowed anonymous posts and the role they had in Erin’s death.
“I felt compelled to do something. I raised awareness with the school because even though it happens out of school the impact happens in school,” he said.
The entire school came together and held a huge forum on cyber-bullying including a debate.
The pupils then released hundreds of balloons to show their opposition to cyber-bullying and in honour of the young Donegal schoolgirl.
Tarek said that although he never met Erin, 14, she had inspired them to take a stand against bullying.
“God bless you Erin. I didn’t know you but you inspired me and an entire school of 1,000 pupils to act,” he said.
Mr Ghouri’s daughter Natasha said he friends had been called ugly, flat-chested and told they were going to get cancer online.
“Some of my friends have now gone very quiet after being online,” she said.
Deputy Principal of Thirsk Highschool, Pauline Simpson said people have got to be made aware of ask.fm
“The internet is fantastic but the ability to post anonymous has brought a new dimension and it is now about educating parents to it,” she said.
