My bullied son’s last day on Earth

Trying desperately to understand what went wrong, Bermudez asked her son’s best friend to recount what happened on the day Jaheem killed himself.

“He [said he was] tired of complaining, tired of these guys messing with him,” Bermudez said, recalling the conversation with Jaheem’s best friend. “Tired of talking, I think to his teachers, counselors and nobody is doing anything — and the best way out is death.”

Allegations of such severe bullying surprises experts familiar with the school district. It’s anti-bullying program was considered exemplary and includes programs to raise awareness and a specially trained liaison. Students are even asked to sign a no-bullying pledge. But other parents told CNN they have complained about bullying as well.

Despite recent strides towards preventing bullying in schools and increased awareness programs, a Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network study showed that 65 percent of teens are bullied each year and most believe adults can’t help them.

Less than a month before Jaheem’s death, a boy in Massachusetts killed himself after being bullied, harassed and called “gay.”

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: The Real Story Behind Carl Walker-Hoover’s Suicide

Sirdeaner Walker, 44, is ferociously protective of her four children. So when her 11-year-old son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover complained to her last September of being bullied by students at the New Leadership Charter School in Springfield, Massachusetts, for “acting gay,” she did something about it. She spoke to his principal, teachers and guidance counselor and became more active in the Parent Teachers Organization. But the teasing and threats continued and Carl started acting out in school, becoming increasingly fearful and felt even more alienated.

On Monday, April 6, everyone learned just how serious the situation had become. Walker found her little boy with an extension cord wrapped around his neck, hanging from the third floor rafter of their home. Peter J. Daboul, chairman of the Board for New Leadership Charter School, released a statement shortly after Carl’s death saying, “I plan to initiate an investigation into the facts and the allegations to ensure that the school responded in an appropriate manner.” School officials did not respond to our calls for comment, but the school has sponsored a carnation drive and a walk in Carl’s honor.