Teaching student rights when suicides show bullying protocols are ‘not working’

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CHESTERMERE (CityNews) – An organization working with newcomer families said they can demand more from the school system if there is no zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

“You need to push. This is your child because on a norm this shouldn’t be happening,” said Manager of Youth Services at the Centre for Newcomers Ekene Balogun.

On Tuesday, CityNews brought you the story of Abeg Kon, who died by suicide just days before she was supposed to return to school in Chestermere, east of Calgary.

WATCH: Family says teen girl was bullied before she died by suicide

“She said ‘I am stressed because of what was happening in the school’,” said Abeg’s father Angelo.

It’s painfully familiar for the Centre for Newcomers which has been working to prevent this since nine-year-old Amal Alshtweiwi died by suicide in Calgary last year. The tragedy also linked to reports of bullying at school.

RELATED: Calgary Board of Education searching for answers in girl’s suicide

“When teachers are not listening, you need to go back again and again, you need to knock on the door, you need to know your rights as a parent. You know safety is paramount for our children,” said Balogun.

The Centre said it might not be the first instinct of immigrant or refugee families to storm the doors of a school.

The Calgary Board of Education launched an independent review in response to Amal’s death.

“If a school comes in and [says] ‘we will review our policy, but those policies are great we did enough’ that’s a failure,” said Abeg’s cousin Gar Gar.

“That nine-year-old Syrian refugee hurts herself, and now another one. Are we gonna say we did enough and then we gonna wait for another one?.”

Balogun believes the systems currently in place are not working.

“What do we need to do about it? Zero-tolerance to bullying, It doesn’t only help those that are getting bullied, but it helps the bullies understand this behaviour is not acceptable. ”

The Calgary Catholic School District runs the Chestermere high school Abeg attended and said collaboration and open dialogue is key.

In a statement to CityNews, the district said, “We strongly encourage all our students and parents to come forward if they experience any kind of harassment or bullying. We work with all our families as well as the CPS or RCMP if needed to address any ongoing concerns.”

Balogun said it should be up to the school to reach out to families and include them in any discussions.

Abeg’s family is now making funeral arrangements, but they hope her story sparks change.

“We need to help others. I don’t want to see others ending up like what happened with my daughter,” said Angelo.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact KIDS HELP PHONE online or at 1-800-668-6868.

-With files from CityNews