Bullying among children and teenagers can often reach heartbreaking levels of cruelty. The Everett family from Australia faced such tragedy in 2018 when their daughter Dolly ended her life at the tender age of 14. Now, they’re advocating alongside other grieving families worldwide, demanding more effective measures against bullying to prevent such senseless losses.
The Tragic Loss of Dolly Everett
Dolly was remembered by her family as a lively and cheerful girl. Her passions included sports and spending time on the family’s ranch in Northern Territory. Her face became recognized at a young age when she was featured as the face of the Akubra hat—a famous Australian brand—when she was just six years old.
When Dolly and her sister Meg reached high school age, their parents decided to send them to boarding school for better opportunities. Living on a remote ranch meant fewer social and educational opportunities. Therefore, they moved to Scots PGC College in Queensland to expand their horizons.
The sisters initially faced homesickness but quickly adjusted, engaging in sports and other activities. Dolly excelled in various sports and enjoyed them immensely, yet her world soon took a turn. At age 12, Dolly confided in her mother, Kate, about the bullying she faced, with boys hurling vile insults her way.
“She told me that boys were calling her a slut, she was 12,” Kate shared. “I don’t think 12-year-olds truly understand these words—they shouldn’t. I kept telling her: ‘It will get better, you’ll fit in. Everyone’s just trying to figure things out. Don’t be mean yourself’.”
Kate reached out to the school, seeking help for her daughter, but felt her concerns were dismissed.
Retaliation
Sadly, the bullying persisted and worsened. A major incident saw Dolly reacting defensively on the playground. After a boy relentlessly provoked her, she finally struck back, which led to her suspension.
“Dolly perhaps shouldn’t have retaliated like she did, but for her to be portrayed as the culprit and the boy as the victim … it doesn’t add up,” reflected Dolly’s father, Tick.
Following the suspension, she seemed to find her footing again with school achievements and sports. However, in hindsight, her parents wonder if Dolly was just masking her troubles. Things deteriorated again during her second year; Dolly got in trouble for sending photos of herself and later was suspended for underage drinking.
“She started to withdraw slowly by the first term, and in her Year 9. There was a side of me that just watched and thought, ‘Is this normal teenage behavior, or is it something more?’” Kate explained. “I suspect there was a good deal we were unaware of.”
Despite her efforts, the school’s response remained insufficient.
Dolly Everett’s Last Days
Dolly’s final plea to her parents came through a concerning email.
“How long do I have to stay? Can I please leave sooner?” she wrote. “I felt panicked because they were ganging up on me, avoiding fighting, and one started calling me awful names, suggesting I harm myself.”
Her parents thought of removing her from school and sought counseling. As the holidays approached, plans for a family getaway seemed normal, yet tragedy struck that night. Despite a cheerful evening, Dolly was found dead shortly after, having taken her own life.
A Devastated Family
The traumatic discovery left the family devastated, heightened by their remote location delaying the emergency response. Overwhelmed with grief, Tick addressed a heart-rending message to Facebook. He invited those who had tormented Dolly to her funeral for them to witness the direct impact of their actions.
“If any of the people involved who thought bullying was humorous read this post, please come to the service to see the heartbreaking consequence they’ve caused.” — Tick Everett via BBC
In Dolly’s honor, they established Dolly’s Dream to raise awareness about bullying in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. Their platform offers guidance for parents and shares strategies to combat bullying’s harmful effects.
The initiative, known as Do It For Dolly, holds annual events to remember Dolly Everett and to fight bullying. Do It For Dolly Day, observed every May, unites thousands across Australia in various activities to support this mission, from athletic challenges to art events.
Not Just An Australian Problem
Bullying is a global issue, with countries like the United States grappling with rising cases, especially online. As cyberbullying escalates, so do tragic outcomes like suicide amongst teens. Alarming statistics indicate nearly 20% of American teenagers have contemplated suicide, and close to 9% have attempted it. Suicide stands as the second-highest cause of death for ages 10 to 24 in the U.S.
If you face bullying, depression, or have suicidal thoughts, reach out to someone who can offer support. Speak to a trustworthy adult or contact a helpline like the Suicide Prevention Hotline for assistance.
Remember: Silence can contribute to bullying. Stand up if you see it happen. Becoming part of the solution could prevent a tragedy.
Sources
- “Dolly Everett’s parents reveal what led to their daughter’s death.” News.com.au. Ben Graham. May 2, 2018.
- “Do It For Dolly Day.” Dollys Dream
- “Adolescents accounted for larger share of suicides in many states in 2020.” NBC News. Aria Bendix. April 25, 2022.
- “Teen Suicide.” Americas Health Rankings
- “Youth.” Suicide Prevention Lifeline