The family of a Lincolnshire teenager believed to have died by suicide are calling for those who abuse others on social media to face prosecution
16 year old Kibi Wade had just taken her GCSEs when her family found her at their home in Caistor
Last updated 20th Aug 2024
The family of a Lincolnshire teenager, who's thought to have lost their life to suicide, are calling for those involved in cyberbullying to be prosecuted,
1\6 year old Kibi Wade had just taken her GCSE exams when her family found her at their home in Caistor.
Her mothers, both called Michelle, believe she was being bullied and abused on social media before her death.
Now, they're campaigning to have people face accountability for the comments they make online.
Step-mum Michelle Gardner tells us what difference they want to make:
"A change in the law, certainly, so that bullies face prosecution. As much as if you assault someone, or you shoplift, you know, it should be a criminal offence.
"It's something we've got to do, and I would like hopefully to reach the government and effect change."
Michelle Barrett, also added "we just owe it to Kibi to do everything we possibly can, you know she must not be let down anymore. We must do everything we can, and not just for her but for other youngsters."
Ms, Gardner shared with us that she'd seen some of the messages Kibi was being sent, describing them as "sick" and "evil".
The pair have set up a website in her memory, which you can take a look at here, they're hoping to continue updating this as they go forward, with events they hold in her name and progress on the campaign.
On the website they describe her 'a beautiful young 16 year old with so much to live for'.
Her mothers, say she passed on the 24th of July, and was found by her elder sister in their family home. Despite attempts to resuscitate her, sadly she had passed away.
They also say they 'hope that by campaigning for “Kibi’s Memory” that no child should suffer the way Kibi has and that no family should ever have to go through the indescribable trauma we are facing right now'.
The family of Kibi have also set up a fundraiser to have Kibi buried in a local graveyard, they say 'we never expected to be burying our 16 year old girl, so young'. This week, they said a deposit has been placed on a headstone from some of the funds raised so far. You can find the GoFundMe here.
Meanwhile if you're going through a difficult period you can always talk to the Samaritans.
They told us: “Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone."
"Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.”
"Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit."
"This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org ."