[jaxie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

That a 9 year old - who can't yet even have any real concept of life and death - would take their own life is genuinely heartbreaking.

I would say though that there is clearly a longer story here... he did not kill himself after "four days" of bullying. That part of the story is utter nonsense and really underemphasises the prolonged mental anguish that leads to suicide. Also the phrasing of "she reassured him she still loved him" seems a little odd, to me. I wonder if his family really did react as well as is being reported, to be frank.

I wondered about his family too and how a child so young would know whether he was actually gay or not. It feels like this is only half the story and here are many unanswered questions around it.

I also don't really get the concept of coming out to people. Your sexuality is your business, not anyone else's and no one should feel pressured to have to tell others their preferences.

Bullying is as old as schools. I don't think schools know how to deal with it and part of the problem is mainstream education doesn't suit every child.