Alex de Vos
Police have warned they might be unable to lay charges if an investigation reveals cyber bullying was linked to the deaths of four Geelong teenagers.
Three of the teens were enrolled at Western Heights College when they took their own lives, while the fourth had recently left the school.
Fourteen-year-old Chanelle Rae committed suicide last Friday after alleged online bullying.
But Geelong inspector Phil Swindells said police did not have power to lay criminal charges because the new-age form of bullying was not classified as an offence.
“It’s a generalised term,” Insp Swindells said.
He urged the community to keep an open mind about why the children took their lives.
“I appreciate there might be speculation around cyber bullying but it’s still a matter to investigate why these sad deaths are occurring,” Insp Swindells said.
However, friends of Chanelle have used social networking site Facebook to issue warnings to her alleged cyber bullies.
“They better start watching themselves cos I know a fair few people who want to kick their f**king teeth in,” a Facebook post said on Wednesday.
Insp Swindells urged friends of the victim not to take matters into their own hands
“Leave it up to police,” he said.
“But if that’s being circulated (on Facebook), then we’ll definitely be looking into it.”
Insp Swindells said authorities were working with community organisations to address youth suicide in Geelong.
“This isn’t just a situation involving Western Heights – we’ve got to look at it more broadly across the whole community, so we’re pooling our resources to maximise the response to the problem.”
Tributes have flowed on Facebook for Chanelle, who described herself online as someone who “loves to have a good time and meet new people”.
“Chanelle you were a lovely girl – always friendly, kind and a lot of fun,” one poster wrote.
“I’m sure your family will be hit hard…you will be missed.”