This is Sam's story...
Sam was feeling really sad and alone.
He didn’t know what to do and he was struggling to talk to his family. A friend suggested he reach out to Kids Helpline.
He told the counsellor that a group of boys at school were constantly bullying him. This had been going on for three months.
Today, things got a lot worse for Sam.
After school, they waited until he left the school grounds then attacked him - punching, kicking and laughing until he was unconscious.
Someone in the group filmed the attack and shared it on social media.
Sam told the counsellor that he didn’t feel well and had bruises all over. He felt embarrassed and scared and didn’t know what to do. He felt so bad he wished he could just die.
Sam’s story is real.
He’s just one of thousands of young people who reach out to Kids Helpline each year for support because they’re being bullied. Most of these children are aged between 5 and 12. What’s truly alarming is that 14% of them are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Recent tragic events have left us all too aware of the devastating effect bullying can have on young lives, families and communities.
Thankfully, many children and young people who reach out for support from Kids Helpline about bullying, go on to live safe and happy lives.
Your donation enables Kids Helpline to provide FREE telephone and online counselling and support - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please donate now to help fund Kids Helpline. We rely on community support - your support, to help answer cries for help.
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