Cyber-bully probe for teen

Police to investigate social media bullying after death

POLICE have confirmed they are investigating if cyber bullying contributed to the death of Warwick schoolgirl Amy “Dolly” Everett.

It came after NT Children’s Commissioner Colleen Gwynne called for an investigation amid growing concerns about the effect social media bullying is having on teenagers’ mental health.

“Unless we get to understand those who are causing such harassment and such humiliation I think we won’t know enough to reduce this terrible, terrible crime,” Ms Gwynne said.

“And that’s what it is. It’s a crime and it needs to be dealt with as a crime and investigated fully.”

Dolly’s death has made international headlines after her father posted about it on Sunday, saying his 14-year-old daughter had taken her own life after being subjected to relentless bullying on social media.

The Everett family has now launched a campaign in a bid to stamp out online bullying.

Ms Gwynne said there was Commonwealth legislation that made it an offence to harass or intimidate someone on social media.

“The social media platforms are open to a whole range of offences and a whole range of behaviours,” she said.

“Cyber bullying is very real and young people are often the subject of it and it can be devastating as we’ve seen in this case.”

NT police confirmed the role of cyber bullying would form part of its investigation.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also vowed to crack down on cyber bullying in the wake of Dolly’s death.