Middle school student Hope Witsell was just beginning the journey from child to teen. But one impetuous move robbed Hope of her childhood, and eventually, her life, MSNBC reports. The 13-year-old Florida girl sent a topless photo of herself to a boy in hope of gaining his attention. Instead, she got the attention of her school, as well as the high school nearby. The incessant bullying by classmates that followed when the photo spread put an emotional weight upon Hope that she ultimately could not bear, and she hanged herself in her bedroom 11 weeks ago. Her death is only the second known case of a suicide linked to bullying after "sexting"--the practice of transmitting sexual messages or images electronically. In March, 18-year-old Jesse Logan killed herself in the face of a barrage of taunts when an ex-boyfriend forwarded explicit photos of her following their split. Hope Witsell's grieving mother, Donna Witsell, is now coming forward to offer a cautionary story in hope of sparing others the loss she endures...
Click here for the full story
More News from eSchool News
Unlocking potential: The power of online courses in our school
Our school has built up its course offerings without having to add headcount. Along the way, we’ve also gained a reputation for having a wide selection of general and advanced courses for our growing student body.
5 AI tools for classroom creativity
When it comes to visual creativity, AI tools let students design posters, presentations, and digital artwork effortlessly. Students can turn their ideas into professional-quality visuals, sparking creativity and innovation.
Strategies to help girls stay engaged in STEM learning
Ensuring that girls feel supported and empowered in STEM from an early age can lead to more balanced workplaces, economic growth, and groundbreaking discoveries.
5 vocabulary strategies powered by technology
In my work with middle school students, I’ve seen how critical that period of development is to students’ future success. One area of focus in a middle schooler’s development is vocabulary acquisition.
The power of goal setting: A skill for lifelong success
For students, the mid-year stretch is a chance to assess their learning, refine their decision-making skills, and build momentum for the opportunities ahead.
The importance of teacher-student relationships
Middle school marks the transition from late childhood to early adolescence. Developmental psychologist Erik Erikson describes the transition as a shift from the Industry vs. Inferiority stage into the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage.
Virtual art meets language learning: A tech-enhanced ESL experience
Art has a unique power in the ESL classroom–a magic that bridges cultures, ignites imagination, and breathes life into language. For English Language Learners (ELLs), it’s more than an expressive outlet.
Leadership is key to protecting student data privacy in 2025
In the year 2025, no one should have to be convinced that protecting data privacy matters. For education institutions, it’s really that simple of a priority–and that complicated.
Ethical PD: Doing right by the teachers who do right by the world
Teachers are superheroes. Every day, they rise to the challenge, pouring their hearts into shaping the future. They stay late to grade papers and show up early to tutor struggling students.
Leading (again) in uncertainty
We are again in uncertain times. We again find ourselves dealing with sudden changes and uncertainty. We seem to be in a state of constant change and ambiguity.