An ‘I hate Megan Evans’ social media initiative targeting a 14-year-old girl prior to her tragic suicide has been classified as ‘merely banter’, according to a coroner.
Schoolgirl Megan Evans was discovered deceased at her residence in February 2017 after purportedly being told online to ‘go kill herself’.
However, a coroner examining her demise indicated that additional personal issues were contributing factors, rather than attributing the incident solely to online harassment.
Coroner Paul Bennett noted that expressions like ‘go kill yourself’ were ‘commonly used’ in online environments.
He emphasized that children and adolescents maintain ‘varying perceptions of bullying’.
Veteran coroner Mr. Bennett remarked that the phrase could be interpreted in multiple ways: ‘What one individual may regard as bullying could be seen as banter by another.’
‘The choice to act was not influenced by bullying or, specifically, by social media.’
Megan’s mother and friends revealed during the inquest that she experienced unhappiness at school, stemming from online harassment and feelings of being ‘persecuted’ by staff at Milford Haven School in Pembrokeshire.
Require assistance?
For emotional support, you can reach out to the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a local Samaritans branch in person or check the Samaritans website.
If you are a young individual, or are worried about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS, dedicated to preventing young suicide in the UK.
Their HOPELINE247 is accessible every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can ring 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Mr. Bennett stated that the ‘core issue distressing Megan’ was her boyfriend allegedly engaging in a relationship with another girl.
Although she received messages regarding this matter, the inquiry revealed it was the content of those messages, rather than the social media platform itself that disturbed Megan.
‘She was affected by worries surrounding her father’s health and experienced conflicts with peers over allegations that her boyfriend was misbehaving,’ the coroner noted.
‘Nonetheless, it is impossible to determine with certainty what compelled her to take such drastic actions. I remain convinced that her actions were not linked to bullying or a failure to address such bullying.’
The inquest also learned that a photo of Megan allegedly ‘smoking’ was circulated on social media, resulting in peers taunting her at school.
She was urged to ‘kill herself’ and received an image message reading ‘die’ on social media.
The inquiry also revealed the formation of the ‘I hate Megan Evans’ group.
Mr. Bennett found no substantial evidence to back the family’s assertions that the school had neglected to address bullying prior to her tragic passing in February 2017.
He confirmed that the school had implemented a number of safeguarding and anti-bullying measures.
On the evening Megan took her own life, her parents were away, and she was at home with three of her siblings.
She did not leave behind a suicide note, but the coroner noted that the fact she was in a seldom-used room in the house and had barricaded the door indicated a desire to remain undisturbed or not be found swiftly.
Megan was characterized as a gifted artist and hockey player who was eagerly anticipating attending a Justin Bieber concert.
In the aftermath of Megan’s heart-wrenching death, Nicola has endeavored to raise awareness regarding mental health and the perils of social media bullying.
She subsequently established Megan’s Starr Foundation, providing complimentary counseling and peer support to youngsters in Pembrokeshire.
Upon concluding the investigation of suicide, Mr. Bennett extended his condolences to Megan’s family and expressed regret for the prolonged inquiry into the tragic event.
Connect with our news team by sending us an email at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For additional stories of a similar nature, visit our news page.
