Mum of teen who took own life backs ban
THE mum of a teenager who took his own life has backed the proposed ban on phones in school and insisted it can protect kids.
Caroline Winder and her husband Mark were devastated when their son William killed himself in June 2012.
The popular 15-year-old, from Miltown Malbay in Co Clare, had been bullied for a period both in person and through social media.
However, he was studying for his exams and did not mention any anxiety or show obvious signs of distress.
Backing the proposal to ban smartphones in the classroom, Caroline said: “My son Jacob is 13 and he’s just started first year in secondary school, the same school William went to.
“In his school you’re not allowed to have your phone on and I actually like that.
“There are so many social media outlets and so many ways things can be sent that you will take it personally. It just takes that one child to read a message and take it the wrong way.
“If a child feels they are being bullied and they are, they need to come forward.”
Just months after their son’s death the couple set up the William Winder Foundation. It has 15 counsellors who speak with around 120 young people and adults annually.
In the last five-and-a-half years they have provided almost 10,000 free hours of professional advice.
The charity has a fundraiser draw in September. To enter for €5 and be in with a chance of having your home painted by Shanahan Paints in Ennis, go to the William Winder Foundation Facebook page or ask in local shops.
It just takes one child to read a message & take it the wrong way CAROLINE WINDER CO CLARE YESTERDAY