THE MUM of a former Pershore High School teenager who took his own life after being bullied online has marked the five-year anniversary of his death by urging young people to consider their actions online.
Felix Alexander was just 17-years-old when he was hit by a train at Norton, near Worcester, on April 27, 2016
Former Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams recorded a verdict of suicide during an inquest into his death. In a letter to mark five years since his passing, devoted mum Lucy revealed her hope teenagers would understand their ‘actions have consequences’ and that Felix’s legacy would be a kinder society.
“The advent of social media has meant everyone has an audience where they can vent their opinion without censure or filter,” she wrote.
“I want to try to help people, particularly young people, connect the dots of their online actions to the very real-life consequences. Their thoughtless words may very well be someone else’s last straw.”
In the last five years, Lucy has worked with Place2Be as an ambassador for the charity which supports young people in schools so issues which develop in childhood are recognised and dealt with so they have a good chance of a happier, healthier adult life.
The devoted mum has lent her support to major campaigns run by HRH the Duke of Cambridge and This Morning.
“I truly believe children are not inherently bad and there is always a reason for bad behaviour. Early intervention can help children understand their behaviour and help guide them towards better choices,” she said.
“My ultimate aim is to bring a hub for Place2Be to Worcestershire so children, parents and teachers can be better supported in school.
“If we begin to give them ownership of this when they are young then they will take these behaviours into adulthood.
The devoted campaigner pointed to a number of high-profile cases of abuse online and said freedom of speech comes with responsibility and people needed to take ownership of this.
“Actions have consequences. There has been much positive change and there is much more awareness of mental health, suicide and bullying behaviours, but we cannot just pay lip service to this,” she said.
Felix moved to Pershore High School in a bid to escape his heartache and was praised as a ‘bright and kind’ young man before his tragic death. The Observer reported in 2017 on the launch of Felix’s Campaign for Kindness by Lucy at the Station Road school.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the community of Worcester who have and continue to support me and my family after our heart-breaking loss,” she added.
“I hope Felix’s legacy will be that he helped promote a kinder society.”
