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Cyber-bullying takes girl's life

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 12 January, 2012 - 8:22 AM
Sheniz Erkan's death may leave a lasting legacy

UPDATE: The Baillieu Government says its determined to stamp out cyber-bullying saying its well down the track to introducing Brodie's Law.

The family of school-girl Sheniz Erkan, who took her own life after relentless abuse on Facebook, wants more to be done to deal with cyber-bullying.

Sheniz's brother says his family wasn't aware she was being tormented.

*Scroll down to hear Sheniz's brother on 3AW*

Acting Premier Peter Ryan says Brodie's Law, named in honour of bullied waitress Brodie Panlock, has been broadened.

3AW Reporter, Denis O'Kane, says under Brodie's Law cyber-bullies can be arrested and charged; including in this tragic case.

PLAY AUDIO: Beyond Blue's Jeff Kennett has his say

EARLIER: A family has been left devastated after a loving, friendly 14-year-old girl took her own life following relentless cyber-bullying.

Taylors Lakes schoolgirl Sheniz Erkan would have been 15 next week but her funeral will be held tomorrow.

Her death has prompted more than 14,000 Facebook tributes.

Uncle - Hassan Erkan - says the family had no idea of the torment Sheniz was enduring.

NEED HELP?

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

Headspace (Non-crises youth support): 1800 650 890

PLAY:The brother of Sheniz Erkan on 3AW Mornings

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Neil Mitchell Suicide Forum

mENTAL HEALTH YOUTH SUICIDE 3AW SPECIAL: Neil Mitchell held a mental health / suicide forum. The commercial-free segment includes Neil Mitchell hosting discussion between Michael Carr Gregg, Adolescant Pyschologist, Professor Pat McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health and Tom Harkin, Youth Worker with the Reach Foundation.

Blog comments Your Say

  • Can't wait for these bullies to be held accountable through criminal charges. Also make the parents of bully children financially accountable by civil law suit and then maybe they might have to deal with their child's bullying. Inter school bullying should result in the offender being expelled too. Since the world adopted the "cure bullies with kindness" nonsense bullying has gotten worse! Child bullies grow to be adult bullies. The most amazing thing is that cyber bullying is transparent yet bullies still get away with it. If your child is being bullied on facebook, print the stuff, take it to the authorities and demand action.

    My thoughts Friday 13 January, 2012 - 10:00 PM
  • dear sheniz RIP baby girl rest in peace i know i dont know you in person but i <3 you your an angel i hope u rest in peace bye i <3 u

    gemma Friday 13 January, 2012 - 5:09 PM
  • Have to agree with you Peggy,a lot of parents could not care less>!

    Steve Friday 13 January, 2012 - 1:05 PM
  • Something tells me that the parents of these bullies might be fully aware of what thier kids are doing but choose to ignore it.
    Speaking from personal experience, when my kids were bullied their parents believed them to be innocent and fully supported them. When I approached them one morning while taking my chid to school and told them to leave her alone, the bullies made up lies about me. They said I swore and used bad language at them which is totally untrue. Their paretns came to school complaining about me and I was berated by the school principal. Insted of doubting their honesty and taking my word for it they chose to attack me.
    These parents are usually bullies themselves, which is where the kids learn how to be bullies or are totally trusting of their little "angels" to the point of being totally blind.

    In most cases it all starts from home. Bad parenting and blind faith is a very dangerous coctail.
    That's why the law has to step in and be firm, for their parents aren't.

    Peggy Friday 13 January, 2012 - 9:29 AM
  • You know, in the end all parents, teachers and educational facilities can do is only assist in the crime, or should-be-made-crime of cyber-bullying and broadly bullying itself. I just cannot stress enough that the only way this will end if the kids themselves no matter what age they are even in the adult world that they are responsible. Anyone who has ever bullied in their life should share the blame. The most common motive for a bully to carry out hostile activity is that they have been bullied themselves before and they are hurt and by hurting others like poor Sheniz here, makes them feel better. They need to deal with their own problems more prudently. Fighting fire using fire... really what will be the result? It will become a bigger fire. And for those bullies whose only motive is for the fun of it, there are other ways to have fun. I just don't understand why Sheniz would need to become a victim. I never knew her but my heart is burning and tearing into a million pieces. I have been bullied before and still am being bullied. In some occasions I was a bully to. There is no, and I emphasize, ABSOLUTELY NO justification to bully. Come on I urge teenagers from the whole world to stand up and significantly, while doing everything that they can possibly do to suppress bullying. It has to end now! It begins with the choices we make and how we handle our own emotions. It starts with us. My deepest condolences, significant respects and heartfelt prayers go to her family, friends, relatives and all else who were touched by this event. Sheniz, you are loved beyond the grave and beyond your circle of friends.

    John Kim Friday 13 January, 2012 - 12:23 AM
  • RIP SHEN!! We love and miss you so much <3

    Justin Raymond Thursday 12 January, 2012 - 7:29 PM

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