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US boy, 9, killed himself after homophobic bullying, mum says US boy, 9, killed himself after homophobic bullying, mum says
(about 7 hours later)
A nine-year-old boy has killed himself after enduring four days of homophobic bullying at school in Denver, Colorado, his mother says.A nine-year-old boy has killed himself after enduring four days of homophobic bullying at school in Denver, Colorado, his mother says.
Leia Pierce told KDVR-TV that her son, Jamel Myles, revealed to her over the summer that he was gay.Leia Pierce told KDVR-TV that her son, Jamel Myles, revealed to her over the summer that he was gay.
She said Jamel wanted to go to school and tell his classmates because he was "proud" to be gay.She said Jamel wanted to go to school and tell his classmates because he was "proud" to be gay.
Denver Public Schools (DPS) say crisis counsellors have been made available to students at Jamel's elementary school.Denver Public Schools (DPS) say crisis counsellors have been made available to students at Jamel's elementary school.
The school system sent letters to families on Friday about the additional counselling services for students.The school system sent letters to families on Friday about the additional counselling services for students.
The letter, addressed to the families of Joe Shoemaker Elementary School pupils, says Jamel's death "is an unexpected loss for our school community" and offers parents signs of stress to watch for in their children.The letter, addressed to the families of Joe Shoemaker Elementary School pupils, says Jamel's death "is an unexpected loss for our school community" and offers parents signs of stress to watch for in their children.
"Our goal is to partner with you in sharing this news with your child in the most appropriate way possible, with as much support as may be needed, so please feel free to reach out about how you want to handle this." DPS Spokesman Will Jones told the BBC on Monday that the district is "deeply committed to ensuring that all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status".
DPS Spokesman Will Jones told the BBC that teachers at Shoemaker "are creating a space for students to share how they are feeling and to process their emotions". His statement added that administrators have taken steps "ensuring that our LGBTQ+ students can pursue their education with dignity".
Fourth and fifth grade teachers will also be calling families individually to check on students. Policies and practices, Mr Jones said, include anti-bullying programmes and "guidance materials that fully respect gender identity (including use of preferred pronouns and restrooms)".
"Our priority right now is to look at all the concerns raised in this case, to keep all our students safe and to do a fair and thorough review of the facts surrounding this tragic loss," he said in an emailed statement.
Denver police are investigating the boy's death as a suicide.Denver police are investigating the boy's death as a suicide.
Jamel's body was found at home on Thursday, Ms Pierce told local media.Jamel's body was found at home on Thursday, Ms Pierce told local media.
He had begun attending fourth grade at the Joe Shoemaker Elementary School on Monday, she said.He had begun attending fourth grade at the Joe Shoemaker Elementary School on Monday, she said.
"My son told my oldest daughter the kids at school told him to kill himself," Ms Pierce said."My son told my oldest daughter the kids at school told him to kill himself," Ms Pierce said.
"I'm just sad he didn't come to me. I'm so upset that he thought that was his option.""I'm just sad he didn't come to me. I'm so upset that he thought that was his option."
She said that when he had told her he was gay, he looked "so scared", but she reassured him she still loved him.She said that when he had told her he was gay, he looked "so scared", but she reassured him she still loved him.
Ms Pierce said she hopes her son's death can raise awareness of the effects of bullying.Ms Pierce said she hopes her son's death can raise awareness of the effects of bullying.
How to get helpHow to get help
From Canada or US: If you're in an emergency, please call 911From Canada or US: If you're in an emergency, please call 911
You can contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Test Line by texting HOME to 741741You can contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Test Line by texting HOME to 741741
Young people in need of help can call Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868 In Canada, young people in need of help can call Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868
If you are in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116123If you are in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116123
For support and more information on emotional distress, click here.For support and more information on emotional distress, click here.