$1 million pay out for the bullying death of young teen Alex Wildman

With receiving only a payout of almost $1 million, the family of the bullied teen Alex Wildman said "they were relieved to be spared a lengthy and costly legal battle with the Department of Education."

William and Justine Kelly, the step father and mother of the 14 year old Alex, were at the District Court in Sydney yesterday as a judge was told their case against the state had been settled out of court.

Coincidentally, the decision coincided with yesterday's national day of action against bullying.

Alex committed suicide in June 2008 after he was bullied by other students at Kadina High School, near Lismore on the far north coast.

A coronial inquest in 2010 found that the teenager had been "driven" to take his own life as a result of the torment, which included bashings in the playground which were filmed and episodes of cyber bullying.

Mr and Mrs Kelly sued the Department of Deucation for damages on behalf of two of their children, who have struggled to cope with Alex's death.

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In the statement of claim filed with the court last year, the family claimed that the department had breached its duty of care, saying Kadina High School "owed Alex a duty to recognise that he was in need of assistance for being physically assaulted". "As as a result of the negligence of the (department), they have suffered injury, loss and damage," the claim said.

Greg Walsh, the solicitor representing the family, told the District Court that the family had agreed to settle following discussions with lawyers for the Education Department.

It's understood the payout is close to $1 million, and will be held in trust until the two children turn 18.

Mr Walsh said if the case had proceeded to a hearing it would have "dragged out" and caused additional trauma to a family still grieving for their son because they would have been forced to prove "the causation" of his death in spite of the inquest findings.

"The tragedy of Alex is there every day of their lives," Mr Walsh said.

"The implications of litigation would have had very, very serious consequences for this family."

Judge Dianne Truss noted the judgment was "approved" for the plaintiffs, adding that the payment would "be deferred" until the children turn 18.

Outside court, Mrs Kelly said Alex "would have been proud" of the family's continuing fight to eliminate bullying in schools.

"It means that we've been vindicated, it means that justice has been served," she said.

"I think Alex would be proud because it's been a long, hard fight for everyone."

This post was brought to you via: www.dailytelegraph.com and sponsored by 411 Pain Reviews an affiliate of The Prevention Team.

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411 PAIN LAUNCHES A PROACTIVE ANTI BULLYING CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOLS!

411 Pain, a medical and lawyer referral service, has gone beyond the norm to make a difference in the South Florida community. In addition to their numerous donations to underprivileged Elementary schools through the 411 Pain Read and Rise Campaign, they have recently teamed up with The Prevention Team to tackle one of the biggest issues in our middle & high schools today, Bullies! “The Prevention Team specializes in bringing Pro Athletes to Schools Nationwide to stop bullying before it happens. As a father, I know how serious this epidemic has become & knew this would be a great program to bring to the South Florida school system,” says Dr. Robert Lewin, president of 411 Pain.

As Title Sponsor of The Prevention Team, 411 Pain is launching their Anti Bullying Campaign beginning this month by funding ten school assemblies in Dade County and Broward County schools. Thanks to 411 Pain, students will have the tremendous opportunity to be educated by an NFL Player on what to do if they are a victim of being bullied, harassed on the internet, see others being bullied, and much more! Rhonda Beier, President of The Prevention Team states, “These assemblies are creating awareness, bringing solutions, and putting a STOP to bullying. We have had tremendous success so far and thanks to Dr. Robert Lewin and the 411 Pain Team, we will now be able to reac411 Pain 1-800-411-Pain 411-Pain Bullying CyberBullying The Prevention Team Anti-Bullying AntiBullyingh thousands of students and staff members throughout Florida.”

For information on scheduling an assembly in your school, please visit www.thepreventionteam.com!

411 PAIN CONTRIBUTES THOUSANDS TO ELEMENTARY LITERACY CAMPAIGN

The excitement was in the air as Castle Hill Elementary students entered the 411 PAIN Scholastic Read and Rise Assembly. An exhilarating speech from local radio DJ’s prepared the cheerful youth for the 411 Pain representatives, who gave an awesome read-a-long . As the kids cheered and applauded, 411 Pain presented a check to the sea of young smiling faces for over $2,900. A roar from the elementary school assembly hall echoed from door to door as the 411 Pain Team informed the students they will each receive a $5 gift certificate to allow them to purchase at least 1 book at the Scholastic book fair. This amazing event sent chills through the crowd. "To see the smile and amazement in a child's face when they realize it is their own personal book, is the most rewarding part of this program" mentions Cici Seda, Director of 411 Pain Promotions. Young boys and girls rushed to find pens, pencils, crayons, markers and any writing utensils they had to begin creating special thank you cards for the team at 411 Pain. The sentiment resonated in each heart felt card from the students. Thank you Castle Hill Elementary for the warm reception and to all the students, we are happy to see you all were able to get your favorite books. Dr. Robert Lewin, President of 411 Pain states, “On behalf of 411 Pain, Happy Reading and to Clear Channel and Scholastic, thank you for taking an interest in furthering the education of the young minds in South Florida, you all are doing a fantastic job. It is my pleasure to continue supporting the schools and students throughout our community.”

The Prevention Team | Anti-Bullying – Pro Children Safety & Education

Chattanooga area student wages campaign against bullying

Throughout elementary and middle school, Jasmine Scruggs witnessed the continual bullying of certain friends and classmates.

It outraged her, but she said many of her peers and teachers responded with apathy.

"It's just like a rite of passage -- like it's OK," said the 17-year-old Scruggs. "But it's not."

Now a senior at Tyner Academy, she's focused much of this school year on the issue of bullying. For her required senior project, she's planning a February event to raise awareness and money to combat bullying in local schools.

Scruggs said she's always been irked by bullying, but she decided to take action after reading a 2010 Times Free Press story about a local eighth-grader who wrote a letter to his principal and the superintendent, asking to switch schools because of ongoing bullying.

"We really don't deserve that," Scruggs said. "School is a place for learning. You shouldn't have all those extra problems. You shouldn't be scared going to school. It's sad. It's disgusting."

Scruggs' event, set for Feb. 25, will feature poetry, dance and songs by local youths that address bullying.

"I want it to be so many people that it's overflowing," she said. "How could we sit around and act like this is OK?"

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Students Taking a Right Stand, or STARS, a nonprofit that works closely with Hamilton County Schools to support a healthy school environment. The group also works with teachers and students on combating bullying.

The Prevention Team and 411 Pain Support the youth making a positive impact on their community and we encourage everyone to help stop bullying today.

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