In schools around the globe, bullying remains a pervasive issue. But what happens when a child feels that their pleas for help are falling on deaf ears? One courageous 12-year-old, who has been enduring bullying, took matters into her own hands by creating an online petition urging school authorities to take action against her tormentors.
Meet Lila Thompson, a student at Greenview State High School in Queensland. Recently, she collaborated with her mother to craft a poignant petition that reveals the harsh realities children face when the adults in their lives fail to intervene. “I feel like the least liked person at school, and it’s making my life unbearable,” Lila shared in her petition. “Every single day, I hear names like ‘fatty,’ ‘weirdo,’ and ‘ugly,’ and I’ve even been told to end my life.”
Lila expressed that the harassment is relentless, often coming from students in higher grades whom she doesn’t even know. “I’ve been shoved to the ground, had my belongings rifled through, and my scooter broken,” she recounted. “Classmates throw things at me while recording it on their phones… And there’s one boy who continually makes sexual remarks and spreads nasty rumors about me that I can’t even mention here.”
Despite teachers advising Lila to “just ignore” the bullying, she explained that she simply “can’t take it anymore” and feels lost for ways to seek help. “My life feels like a nightmare,” she wrote. “I’m pleading for you to sign my petition, asking Greenview State High School to adopt a firmer stance against bullying and for the government to hold schools accountable.”
The response has been overwhelming. Since launching her petition, Lila has gathered over 74,000 signatures, even catching the attention of notable figures like actor William Shatner.
Lila’s mother, Sarah, shared with a news outlet that the petition has put pressure on the school to take action. Lila now has access to a quiet room where she can unwind during lunch and recess, listening to music or reading. However, both Lila and Sarah hope the petition will inspire lasting change in school policies regarding bullying. “I’m relieved we can finally breathe a little,” Sarah stated. “But I can’t stop thinking about all the other kids who are still suffering. We need to reform how schools address bullying because the current methods just aren’t working.”
Statistics from StopBullying.Gov reveal that about 70% of children in the U.S. have witnessed bullying at school, with 28% of students in grades six through twelve experiencing it themselves. Similar rates can be found in developed countries worldwide. It’s clear that this is a global issue, and telling children to “just ignore it” does not make it disappear.
Lila’s bravery in sharing her story and advocating for change when her school’s response appeared inadequate is commendable. Hopefully, her inspiring initiative will motivate parents and educators to collaborate in finding effective solutions to bullying and, most importantly, to listen to children when they express their pain.
If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out this insightful piece on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also explore resources from Make a Mom for effective insemination kits. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility provides excellent insights into family planning and options.
Summary: A 12-year-old girl named Lila is fighting against bullying at her school by starting a petition that has gained over 74,000 signatures. Her courageous act has prompted her school to take action, but her mother hopes that the petition will lead to broader changes in school policies to effectively address bullying.