This article may be distressing to some readers.
The death of a 16-year-old Waikato schoolgirl has sparked urgent pleas by parents and teachers for students to stop spreading abusive, threatening messages and misinformation on social media.
Morrinsville College student Maria Witehira died by suspected suicide on August 23. It's understood the teenager died on the school's grounds.
A boy has since been blamed for the tragedy by his peers, according to NZME, as rumours and speculation run rampant online.
"Inaccurate, offensive and sometimes threatening comments" have plagued social media platforms in the aftermath of the death, says the school.
The boy's mother said her son had received abusive messages and threats after rumours he had abused the 16-year-old spiralled online.
None of those involved in the fabrication understood the extent of what Maria had endured or how hard her family had tried to help her, she says.
The abuse has taken a huge toll on the boy, who did not feel able to return to school following the online "witch hunt", his mother told NZME.
"It was never about going on a witch hunt. I want these kids to realise the damage they have done," she said. "I just want them to understand that my son's life matters. They have stripped him of his life."
Maria's aunt, Shalima Gibson, told NZME she offered to read a letter to the students, explaining the issues Maria had faced and that the boy had no part in her death. However, the school declined her offer.
Morrinsville College principal John Inger said the school had taken the necessary actions, such as providing counselling support to its students in the aftermath of Maria's death.
Inger addressed the issue of online bullying and harassment in a school newsletter issued after the tragedy.
"I sent out an email written by the police, who are very concerned that quite a few people in our school and community are looking to blame someone for our student's death and are writing inaccurate, offensive and sometimes threatening comments on social media sites," he wrote.
The same day the newsletter was issued, the school had shared an email from local police to its Facebook page, confirming officers were investigating the circumstances of Maria's death.
"We know that as a school community, you are grieving and you want to know why this has happened," the email said, as obtained by NZME.
"But while police are investigating this case, it's really important that we are able to get accurate information.
"We're urging you to please think before you spread rumours and speculation.
"If you're getting messages that are unwelcome, or you feel like you are being bullied online, get in touch with NetSafe."
The email encouraged those affected by the death to talk to trusted friends, family or to call Youthline.
On Wednesday afternoon, Morrinsville College board chair Ngaire Te Ahu condemned the misinformation spread by students on social media.
"I want to reassure all parents that the response from the principal and staff has been to provide strong support to ensure the well-being of all of those students and staff affected, especially through support actions taken by our guidance counsellors and external agencies," Te Ahu wrote.
"We at the school were very concerned that some of our students had been pointing the finger of blame for our student's passing unfairly by writing inaccurate, offensive and sometimes threatening comments on social media sites, and we appealed to parents to help us to stop this happening. Efforts were also made at school to stop this occurring."
Newshub understands the death is being assessed by a coroner.
When contacted for comment, a police spokesperson told Newshub: "Police continue to make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner. Any possible offending identified during the course of those enquiries will also be investigated."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
