Warning: Distressing Content Ahead
A heartbreaking story has emerged from Townsville, where a 12-year-old girl took her own life just four days after Christmas. Adiel Boyd was a bright and talented student, but she was also a victim of relentless cyberbullying.
Her mother, Victoria, is now speaking out to raise awareness about the dangers of online bullying and the importance of supporting young people’s mental health.
A Life Cut Short
Adiel was a remarkable young girl who excelled academically and musically. She played several instruments, was fluent in three languages, and was loved by everyone who knew her. But despite her many talents and strengths, Adiel struggled with the cruel words and actions of her online bullies. Her mother described her as “close to perfection,” but the constant barrage of negative messages took a devastating toll on her mental health.
The Dangers of Social Media
According to Adiel’s mother, social media was the primary platform where the bullying occurred. “Children are lost in social media, it’s the most dangerous tool for a parent because there is a closed space there that I really, really try hard to get into but it’s a closed space, social media,” she explained. This highlights the need for parents and caregivers to be more aware of their children’s online activities and to take steps to protect them from the potential harms of social media.
A Call to Action
The issue of cyberbullying among teens is a growing concern, and Adiel’s story is a tragic reminder of the need for stronger action to be taken. The Labor government has recently approved a social media ban for under 16s, but more needs to be done to support young people and prevent similar tragedies from occurring. As Adiel’s mother so eloquently put it, “We need to take care of them, we need to look after them. We need to let them know that they are loved. We need to let them know they are cared for, we need to let the children know that there is love there. They need to feel that compassion from everyone.”
Support for Those Affected
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or is being bullied online, there are resources available to help. You can reach out to:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
- 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
Remembering Adiel
Adiel’s family and friends are remembering her as a bright and beautiful young girl who left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her older sister, Tameka, has launched a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and to support the family through this difficult time. The campaign has already raised over $7,000, and it’s a testament to the love and support that Adiel’s family has received from their community. As Tameka so beautifully put it, Adiel “left a birthmark on everybody that she knew in her 12 short years of life.”