Cyber bullies drove our 14-year-old to suicide
The danger signs for parents & how to keep your kids safe
THE heartbroken parents of a teenager who committed suicide have blamed social media bullying.
Sam Abel, 14, was tormented “day and night” by classmates via Snapchat and Facebook and he had previously been bullied at school, with name-calling, pranks and physical abuse.
Dad Mark, 50, a former soldier who competed in last year’s Invictus Games, said the messages “pushed him over the edge”.
And he revealed police probing his son’s death have been unable to view the messages because they are encrypted.
He said: “Snapchat messages only last seconds but when you’re getting messages constantly, seconds add up.
“They broke him down in the end. It started as individuals but more people joined in with taunting him when it developed into cyber bullying.
“We’ll never know how serious those messages were because the police cannot get access to the messages.
“Apart from spying on your kids, what can you do? A teenager’s life is their phone. Nobody talks like they used to.” Sam was taunted by bullies who were jealous of his good grades and he told close friends: “I want to die”. Sam killed himself at a Worcester supermarket. And an inquest last month was told horrified families with children witnessed the tragedy in January. The hearing was told Sam had been bullied by youngsters at Tudor Grange Academy School and he had complained to his mother, Anita. He told friends he was suicidal in the
We visited school and we were told that they were acting on it SAM’S MUM ANITA ON ACTION TO STOP BULLYING
lead-up to his death and argued with his mum on the day he died. Passersby rushed to his aid and he was taken to hospital, but died later.
Talented Sam’s parents said bullies hid his school books, punctured his water bottle and slashed the tyres on his treasured bike.
The keen YouTuber was even mocked for wearing a cycle helmet and hi-vis jacket.
Mark said: “He kept a lot to himself. He suffered in silence. He did a good job of hiding everything. What he did share we acted upon.
“We knew about the bullying but we visited school several times and were told they were acting on it.”
Sam and dad, an ex-Army corporal, met Prince Harry during the Invictus Games last year.
The teen cheered on Mark as he took part in the 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke in front of thousands of spectators. Prince Harry later sat next to the pair while they were watching the volleyball competition. Mark said: “He just appeared, sat down next to us and started chatting. “Sam was thrilled to have met him and it was great to see him happy.” The young student excelled in business and dreamed of becoming the next Alan Sugar. Anita said: “He loved school and learning. He just hated the people there. We think people were jealous of what he achieved. Because he was doing so well, we assumed things were fine.”
Recalling the day of his death, she said: “We had a very small disagreement and he said he was going out to clear his head but he never came home. We will never get over this.”
Mark, who lost his sight in 2012 after developing multiple sclerosis, vowed not to let the bullies win.
He said: “They will live with their own guilt for the rest of their lives.”
Mark added: “Sam spoke to one teacher a lot and visited the head.”
The dad is taking part in a wing walk in Sam’s memory on Sunday and hopes lessons can be learned.
Sam’s head Sam Roach admitted there had been bullying incidents.
But she told the inquest: “We have a zero tolerance of bullying. We didn’t know what was happening, when children knew.
“We have a place for children to go to staff and report it.”
In a statement to the Mirror, Tudor Grange Academy added: “We’re devastated by Sam’s death. Our thoughts are very much with his family.”
The school advises victims of cyber bullying to keep a record and report it.
Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams recorded a verdict of suicide.