(Newswire.net — December 6, 2014) — Folsom, Cal. – A former 6th grader, Ronin Shimizu, was often bullied as the only boy cheerleader for the Vista Jr. Eagles squad at the Folsom Middle School.
“He was bullied very badly,” Folsom student Riley Coleman told in tears News10. “It’s not okay to bully people,” she said.
In his e-mail to parents about Ronin’s death, Folsom Middle School Principal John Bliss wrote the school would continue to provide counseling and support to students and staff who need assistance dealing with their grief.
“I encourage you to talk to you child about how they are processing this news, what feelings they may be experiencing and if they need any help. In the meantime, please keep this student’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time,” Principal Bliss wrote parents.
The night after Ronin had taken his life, many families gathered at the Shimizu home leaving candles and flowers.
“So sad to know that people can hurt you that way,” student Allie Flahive said.
“I can’t imagine a child taking it to that level. I’ve had a son that’s been bullied. It’s so scary,” said concerned parent.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Andrew Mendonsa told News10 there is an increase in suicides among young people.
“Unfortunately, what people don’t realize is that the younger you are, you don’t have a reference point that adults do. ‘Things get better. That’s just a bump in the road. Trust me life will get better.’ We have that as adults. As children, you don’t have that,” said Mendonsa.
Mendonsa said social media only make it worse for the latest generation of young people battling against bullying. He said that once it is posted, it can be reposted numerous times, and “it’s almost exponential that one person becomes ten, becomes a hundred, becomes a thousand.”