The public prosecutor’s office in West Flanders is investigating whether bullying at school played a role in the death of a 14-year-old boy from Waregem, who took his own life last week.
The teen’s parents maintain that bullying did, in fact, cause their son's death, Het Laatste Nieuws and VTM Nieuws reported.
The boy’s school, St. Paul’s School, Ascension Campus, in Waregem, reported his death on Thursday.
An investigation has been opened. “This is a so-called ‘investigative investigation,’ not yet a judicial investigation,” the public prosecutor’s office told Het Laatste Nieuws. “On Thursday, the parents will also be questioned."
According to the prosecutor's office, the investigation was requested by the family and its lawyer.
Based on information on social media, the police have also prepared a report on stalking, the prosecutor's office added.
The young teen was bullied on social media as well as verbally and physically at school. Those with questions about suicide can contact the Suicide Line at the toll-free number 1813 and on the website www.zelfmoord1813.be.
