A GRIEVING mum whose daughter took her own life at the age of 14 due to torturous bullying has set her sights on securing a law change which would make the act a criminal offence.
Willow Lee, a former Barnsley Academy pupil, endured ‘relentless’ taunts and physical attacks over a sustained period of time according to her mum, Courtney Lee.
The teenager - who was autistic - was driven to despair by cruel bullies and she took her own life on October 6 last year.
Courtney, from the town centre, is embarking on an attempt to force a law change which - if successful - could see bullying become a criminal offence.
Currently, it is not a specific criminal offence in the UK, but it can become a crime if it involves illegal acts like violence, threats, harassment, theft or certain forms of cyberbullying and hate crimes.
A petition set up last week by Courtney has already gained more than 2,000 signatures - but she’s appealed to the public to continue backing her cause.
“I want it to be known as ‘Willow’s Law’ - despite the help we tried to get her she was failed by the system,” she told the Chronicle.
“I am now trying to get as many signatures for a government petition to criminalise bullying.
“I have six months to try and get 100,000 signatures for this to be debated in Parliament.
“Willow endured relentless bullying - she was constantly picked on and beaten up and she simply had enough.
“But she was such a unique, kind and caring girl - I remember once when she saw a homeless man and she made such an effort to talk to him, ask him how he was, and she even gave him the last of her pocket money.
“Bullying is such a cruel part of many kids’ school lives and it just has to stop.”
Courtney’s hoping her efforts will result in more awareness being shone on the issue, which she believes is a problem in most schools.
According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, 40 per cent of youngsters are bullied.
A spokesperson said: “Bullying is identified as one of the most significant factors contributing to low life satisfaction among children, with those who have experienced bullying reporting much lower happiness compared to their peers.
“Bullying in the UK happens both in school and online, with children facing a variety of harmful behaviours.
“The long-term impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing cannot be overstated, with many young people feeling the effects long after it has occurred.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, educators and communities to double efforts to tackle bullying in the UK and bring about lasting change to ensure every child feels safe and supported.”
Courtney added: “Unfortunately cases like Willow’s just show how serious it can be - parents can plead with schools to step in and help however they can but it sometimes is not enough.
“The culture that we have - or certainly what I have experienced - is that it’s the victim who is segregated, isolated and left alone.
“Bullies have zero accountability - they ultimately get away with it and in our case, we were left without our daughter.
“If something good can come from such a tragedy, one that’s always going to be a huge part of my life, I’d hope Willow’s Law could help youngsters who are going through similar experiences.”
A spokesperson for Barnsley Academy said: “Everyone at Barnsley Academy mourns the loss of Willow Lee who was a kind, generous and hard-working student and a valued member of our school community.
“Next week, along with Willow’s family, we will be marking the first anniversary of her passing."
