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A 14-year-old New Jersey high school student committed suicide after a video of her being bullied by a group of girls at her school spread across social media. Adriana Kuch, who attended Central Regional High School in Bayville was hit with a full 20-ounce water bottle and berated by a group of girls who laughed at her. Two days after the incident on February 1, she was found dead in her home.
In the video, students can be seen hitting, kicking and pulling Adriana’s hair as she walks down the hallway of her school. Others stood by and recorded the attack, Adriana’s father Michael Kuch told local reporters.
Three girls have been charged with third-degree felony assault and a fourth was charged with disorderly conduct News 12 New Jersey reported. Following the tragedy, students at the school in Bayville staged a walk out, calling for change. Police were not called following the attack and Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides said it was not school policy.
Students and Adriana’s dad want the school to address the bullying and harassment, which Adriana experienced prior to the attack. Bullying is a serious problem and can begin in elementary school. The biggest incidence is seen in middle school, with some bullying continuing into high school. Parents should never dismiss bullying as “kids being kids” and must be aware that the most sensitive kids are the ones at greatest risk for suicide.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, they can call 988, the suicide and crisis hotline. Go here for more info on suicide prevention.
Read more:
This Free Mental Health Crisis Line Will Help Children Feel Heard
Are You Part of Mallory’s Army? Join To Combat Bullying
Additional resources:
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text “CONNECT” to 741741
- Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+): www.thetrevorproject.org
- Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net
- New Jersey Hospital Association: What Should I Do? resource guide
- 180 Turning Lives Around: 2nd Floor 1-888-222-2228 Youth Helpline
- Caring Contact: Caring and Crisis Line (908-232-2880) available from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; text line available 24/7 (text “heart” to 741-741)