In a statement this week, Dolly’s Dream – an organisation launched by the parents and sister of 14-year-old Dolly Everett, who took her own life in 2018 after experiencing relentless bullying – highlighted the shock and sadness felt by so many Australians in the wake of Charlotte O’Brien’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Charlotte O’Brien, a young girl in New South Wales last week. Our hearts are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement says.
“This devastating loss is a reminder of the importance of having conversations with our young people about bullying and why kindness matters.
“Over the last six years, Dolly’s Dream has been working to change the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying through education and direct support for young people and their families.”
Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream, says “parents recognise the importance of teaching their children about bullying and cyber safety, but they often feel uncertain about how to approach it”.
“Dolly’s Dream offers a range of resources and support options to guide them.
“We know supporting a child who is being bullied can be difficult and overwhelming. You are not alone. If you need immediate support, then contact the Dolly’s Dream Support Line on 0488 881 033, which is free and available 24/7.
“Our free Beacon Cyber Safety App is a practical tool to help manage technology use and the Dolly’s Dream Parent Hub pulls together all the latest information about bullying and online safety to help educate young people and their families.”
The statement followed the news that the 12-year-old student from Santa Sabina College in Sydney took her own life on 9 September.
“Deep disappointment” – and change needed
Charlotte’s father has since expressed his deep “disappointment” with what he says was the school’s response to bullying his daughter endured, saying students had made her life “too hard” and that she had pleaded, “please tell the school”.
“I think outside of the response from the broader community of the school I have to say I’ve been disappointed to say the least, with the response that’s come from the school.
“Some of the responses that have gone into the media, I think the first response was around that there’s inconsistencies in their records and I thought that comment to go out at that time when we were grieving was unnecessary.
“And since then, comments like the school’s been overwhelmed with support from other parents coming forward and saying how well they deal with these types of issues. And I’m sure they’ve had some communication and some support, but those mothers that have given that school support, no doubt they will be planning on picking their daughter up from school today, and we are not.”
Australia wide, free 24-hour telephone service with qualified counsellors available to help by calling 0488 881 033. Webchat is also available.
Beacon provides families with trustworthy, practical resources to help them confidently navigate their children’s technology use and reduce associated harms.
Dolly’s Dream has done the research for you and pulled together the most trusted information about bullying and online safety in the one place.
If you need support, please reach out to our Support Line at 0488 881 033 it’s free, confidential and here to help.
