Linwood College students have been targeted and viciously bullied on newly created social media accounts.

Faces of students have been posted, accompanied by bullying comments including body shaming and racist remarks.

The mother of one of the victims who was bullied on the site told Chris Lynch she felt helpless looking at the account as new photos appeared at five minute intervals.

“My own child, a year 12 student, was already there when I first searched for the account, but every refresh revealed a fresh face and new insults to match. When a dimly lit photo of a young girl in her bra and panties appeared, obviously taken in front of a mirror, I knew this was no ‘kids will be kids’ moment. Something has to be done.”

The mother said her own child laughed it off saying it was an old photo. But her child is worried about friends who might not be so resilient.

The mother said the first account disappeared later that same day. “I hoped it was over. Until Sunday evening when my child thrust their phone in my face and said ‘it’s back.”

Linwood College Principal Richard Edmundson said the targeting is highly likely to have come from other students and the school is investigating.

“We have contacted both Netsafe and the police in this process.”

He said “the law see this nasty behaviour as serious and so do we as a school. I ask that all whānau discuss with their children their use of social media and what is appropriate and not, and what may be straight illegal. Our Guidance department is able to assist in these conversations if necessary.”

“I always wonder at the petty, small-mindedness of some people who take a warped delight in putting down other people. Of course it is usually because of their own insecurities and fears that they themselves are not good enough. Pathetic really.”

The parent told Chris Lynch ”as a mum with a child nearly in the adult world, it hurts so much to feel like there are people in their peer group who can behave like this without conscience. Their responses to comments on their posts are so glib and flippant. How can I feel ok letting my kid have more freedom in a world that will treat them this way without consequence?”

“It sucks feeling powerless against cyber bullying but in today’s world. What’s the difference between bullying in the internet space and the ‘real world’?”

“We’re asking our young people to be as comfortable in the virtual world as they are in real time, because of our changing society- why should cyber bullying be treated differently to actual, physical violence?”

Police said they have received a report from the school.

What does the law say?

Under the 2015 Harmful Digital Communications Act:

• it’s an offence to send messages and post material online that deliberately cause serious emotional distress. If found guilty you can be imprisoned for up to two years and fined up to $50,000 for individuals, or up to $200,000 for companies.

• the District Court can issue take-down notices and impose penalties on people who don’t comply with court orders (punishable by up to six months in prison or a $5,000 fine for individuals, and fines of up to $20,000 for companies)

• it’s an offence to incite someone to commit suicide, even the person does not attempt to take their own life.

• CONTACT NETSAFE

  If you’re concerned about the immediate safety of you or someone else, please call 111. 

  If you want help or advice parents and students can contact Netsafe

  • Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282

  • Email [email protected]

  • Call toll free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)

  • Online report at netsafe.org.nz/report

• National helplines

  Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

  Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
  Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
  Healthline – 0800 611 116
  Samaritans – 0800 726 666

  Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
  www.depression.org.nz – includes The Journal online help service.

  OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support.

  Helplines for children and young people

  Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.
  thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text 5626.
  What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

  Help for parents, family and friends

  EDANZ – improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email [email protected].
  Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
  Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
  Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
  Yellow Brick Road – Supporting families towards mental wellbeing.

  Other specialist helplines

  Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.
  Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.
  Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
  Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).