Sheniz Erkan would have been celebrating her 15th birthday this week, instead her family had to bury her last Friday.
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
THE Taylors Lakes community has been left devastated after a young girl became the latest victim of schoolyard and cyberspace bullies.
Sheniz Erkan took her life last Monday week after relentless bullying. She would have been celebrating her 15th birthday this week.
The tragic loss prompted an outpouring of grief on a Facebook site dedicated to her memory.
More than 17,000 people paid tribute to the Taylors Lakes Secondary College student who was described as a “beautiful girl”.
One friend wrote: “What a waste of a beautiful girl with so much ahead of her…”.
“You were full of life, never showed to others what you were going through, always out there, smiling and kicking goals,” another user wrote of the talented soccer player.
According to the Department of Education’s most recent data, half of Victorian school children aged 12 to 14 have experienced some form of bullying.
But it seems that victims have begun fighting back, with an online campaign calling for an end to teenage bulling launched only days after the tragedy.
The site “War Against Bullying – In Memory of Sheniz Erkan”, had attracted hundreds of followers only hours after it was set up with one user calling for the community to unite.
“Together we can try and make a difference. Together we can be one voice. Together we can stand up for those that have or are being bullied. It’s time to raise our voices and to show those bullies we’re stronger than they assume!”
Taylors Lakes teenager Stephanie Cimino said the heart-breaking death had affected many youngsters who didn’t know the victim.
“A lot of people who knew or didn’t know Sheniz have been affected by her story. Her action just shows that bullying, whether it’s face to face or on a computer, can push people too far,” the 18-year-old said.
“I think her story teaches a lot of teens and parents that being bullied can really drive a person to do more than shed tears.”
Ms Cimino said the tragedy came as a wake up call to parents to monitor what their children were posting on their Facebook sites.
“A lot of people put information that they shouldn’t. Kids don’t have a filter. You just have to be careful.”
A protest against bullying has been organised this Sunday, January 22, at Watergardens Train Station from 12pm.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The line is open 24 hours a day. More information can be found at www.lifeline.org.au
Or call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
