12-year-old autistic boy hangs himself after being bullied
December 1st, 2011 - 7:59 pm ICT by IANS
London, Dec 1 (IANS) A 12-year-old British schoolboy was found hanging at his home after he was reportedly bullied by a group of girls for being autistic, a media report said Wednesday.
Michael Raven’s body was found hanging in his room in Burnley, Lancashire Monday. He was a student at St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy in Blackburn.
Many Facebook groups have now emerged that claim he was being teased by girls. The school has, however, denied the claim, said the Daily Mail.
A woman, who claimed that her daughter was bullied at the school, said: “She told me Michael was being picked on by a group of girls from year 8. It sounds like they teased him about his autism.”
One girl wrote on Facebook: “Bullies of St. Wilfrids C.O.E should feel ashamed 13 years old 2nd year and taken his own life R.I.P Michael Raven never forgotten loved always.”
Another friend posted: “R.I.P. Michael Raven - a 12 year old boy who hung himself due to bullying. Nobody should be able to go through that.”
School principal David Whyte said staff were not aware of any bullying.
“The school is aware of the rumours and accusations being made on social networks and have already started an investigation. We can confirm that the school was not made aware of any bullying concerns in relation to Michael,” he said.
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Tags: 13 years, accusations, autism, autistic boy, british schoolboy, bullies, burnley lancashire, church of england, daily mail, david whyte, england academy, facebook, girls, michael raven, one girl, rumours, school principal, social networks, st wilfrid, st wilfrids