Teenager bullied to death on his phone
PM faces call for action after tragedy of boy, 13
A SCOTS schoolboy took his own life after being bullied on social media and via his mobile phone.
Ben McKenzie died after a sustained campaign of ‘cruel’ online abuse, his local MP has told the House of Commons.
The 13-year-old was found dead at his home in Neilston, East Renfrewshire, on October 1.
His family have called for tougher action against those who use the internet to target youngsters – and have helped raise nearly £10,000 for a support charity.
Conservative East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton raised the tragedy with Theresa May at Prime Minister’s Questions earlier this week.
He asked what the Westminster Government was doing to tackle cyber bullying.
In an emotional statement, he told MPs they must act to help victims and encourage youngsters not take part in bullying.
He added: ‘No family should be enduring a Christmas without their child due to suicide.’
Mr Masterton told Mrs May: ‘A few weeks ago Ben McKenzie from Neilston, a pupil from Eastwood High School, took his own life having been the victim of cruel online threats and bullying on social media and to his mobile phone. He was just 13 years old.
‘Nearly £10,000 has been raised in his memory for Beautiful Inside and Out, a Scottish charity which supports the families of victims of child suicide. But can the Prime Minister set out what this Government is going to do to tackle cyber bullying, not just to support and empower victims but to deter and prevent children who may be engaging in these acts, not realising the consequences they can have.’
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Ben and offered her condolences to his parents, Margaret Morgan and Ian McKenzie.
Mrs May said that the thoughts of the House of Commons were with Ben’s family ‘at this terrible time’.
She added that Mr Masterton had highlighted an ‘incredibly serious issue’, adding ‘the question of cyber bullying is one we do need to address’.
The Prime Minister said the Government was working with internet companies ‘in relation to what is put out on their platforms’ and ‘working with schools to help people be able to recognise this material and to deal with it’.
It was also working to support children who were the victims of bullying or those ‘who might be carrying out those attacks’.
Mrs May added: ‘I commend the work of the Scottish charity Beautiful Inside and Out, and the money that has been raised. This does remain a serious issue for millions of people.’
She pledged the Government would continue to look at ways to reduce online attacks and abuse.
‘This is an issue we should all take very seriously and the Government will continue to work on this,’ she said.
A Crowdfunding page was launched online by Sophie McLean, a friend of Ben’s family. Writing on the page, she said: ‘At the beginning of this month, my best friend lost her little brother to suicide.
‘I’ve tried searching for the right things to say about Ben’s death, but it seems to me there is nothing to be said other than it never should have happened.
‘Ben was only 13 years old when his life was cut short as a result of online bullying.’
She added: ‘Before Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter, bullying was physical and in the moment.
‘You went home from school, closed the door and you were safe until the next day.
‘Now, with the aid of the internet and social media there is no escape from bullying.
‘It is constant. Anyone can contact you, from anywhere and at any time – even someone you don’t know.’
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
‘There is no escape ... it is constant’