Family says bullying contributed to Wendell eighth grader's death by suicide. Here are warning signs to look for.
The death of a 13-year-old boy who took his own life at a Wake County middle school this week has sent rippling effects of sadness and grief through the community.
Austin Pendergrass' family said he was bullied, and they felt alone in their fight to address it. Pendergrass' family said they believe bullying contributed to him taking his own life at Wendell Middle School on Tuesday.
Marisa Marraccini, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor who specializes in suicide prevention, said 1 in 5 children consider attempting suicide.
"In the age of social media, bullying spills in and out of schools and onto online platforms," said Marraccini.
Bullying can be hard to recognize and even intervene in, according to Marraccini.
"Often times, those who bully may be bullied too and struggling with mental health conditions, and those who are victims of bullying have other things going on too," said Marraccini.
Marraccini said research shows bullying is a risk factor for suicide.
"We find there is depression, hopelessness or physiological mediating factor. Bullying is critically important for us to address," she said.
Warning signs parents can look out include changes in behavior or mood.
"Saying things like they feel trapped or unbearable pain ... or having depression, anxiety, anger, irritability," said Marraccini.
Marraccini encourages parents to have honest, authentic conversations with their children.
"This is an opportunity for my child to open up to me ... start off by asking kids what's going on at school, what do they know, have kids talked about it? Our children know a lot more than we realize," said Marracini.
This year, WCPSS is offering in-school mental health services at 40 schools. The services are provided with 16 therapists, and school leaders have plans to expand soon.
"I think we are afraid to talk about suicide. That's a disservice," said Marraccini.
Austin's mother, Jessica Pendergrass, said the pain in her heart is unimaginable.
"He loved turtles. He was super helpful and sweet. He loved dad jokes," she said.
Jessica Pendergass said Austin was also suffering from pain.
"I think it got to a point bullying overtook him," said Jessica Pendergrass.
"I wish he didn’t feel so alone," she said.
Jessica Pendergrass said the bullying began in sixth grade, and just last week, Austin cut his wrist in school.
"Wake County Public School System kind of addressed it ... we fought with Wendell Middle since last year, since school started," she said.
WCPSS did not respond Thursday to WRAL's request for documentation about the incident. The school system's handbook states, "if bullying or harassment is suspected, parents should contact their child’s school for help. Parents and students also can share safety concerns via the WCPSS Tip Line"
"I really hope this can bring some awareness to other parents to check on their kids, be mean and go through social media and phones, find out what is going on and teach kids to be kind to other kids," said Jessica Pendergrass.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, the suicide crisis hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 988.
