The family of a twelve-year-old boy who's attempted to kill himself twice have released a heartbreaking photo of him in hospital to raise awareness to the problem.
Murray Benton, from Queensland, Australia, posted the photo of his brother getting treatment in hospital in a bid to highlight the issue of bullying in schools.
In the post, Murray explains how his brother, Brian Birchall, attempted suicide following months of bullying from his colleagues at school, where he was called names and was involved in fights.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1982551015107161&set=a.240547139307566.76287.100000568459547&type=3&theater
He wrote: 'After much deliberation with my family over the last couple of days and with the strength and consent from my little brother we have decided to put this post up with firstly the intention to spread some much needed awareness of bullying in our schools and also to express my honest disgust in both Gympie State High School and also our general public health system...
'This is my 12 year old brother who three nights ago was admitted to Gympie Hospital after attempting suicide by wrapping the cords from his bedroom curtains around his neck repeatedly with full intention to cause extensive harm. The cause of this? For months now this little guy has been bullied at school, he has been pushed around, been called names, been involved in both group and one on one fights, been made the laughing stock in front of his peers and the list goes on.'
Murray goes on to say that the issue is common in Brian's school and that his family intend to raise awareness about it and try to make a positive difference.
'After speaking to other parents within our Gympie community and hearing how many kids are in the same boat with our schools I am fully aware that he is not the only one. This in itself is disgusting', he added.
'We have the full intension of spreading as much awareness about bullying and depression in our school kids as possible and have some changes made! It’s simply just not good enough.
'The last couple of days have absolutely shattered me and with little to no support from our health system towards my family, I personally have no intention of stopping this fight until something more is done!'
The post was shared over 90,000 times on Facebook and the family received a lot of comments of support.
One user said: 'Thinking of you and your family the story bought tears to my eyes here's hoping the message gets out all the bullies in the schools and they do something.'
Another commented: 'I wish you all the strength and love you deserve and pray all bullying in all avenues is eliminated. I would like to say to those bullies please stop as you may have children one day who maybe have to go through what you are doing now.'
