When parents have to bury their child, the pain is already bad enough. But when suicide is the cause, they are inconsolable. The death of 13-year-old Ryo Muramatsu as the result of persistent bullying at the hands of his classmates is a tragic example. Based on the available evidence, the boy, who went to junior high school in Iwate, had repeatedly sent clear and unambiguous messages to his teacher that he was contemplating taking his own life. But the teacher failed to pass the information on to the proper authorities.
There is no guaranteed solution, but schools can help prevent "bullycide" by implementing programs that provide students with clear-cut rules about unacceptable behavior and stiff penalties for violating them.
At the same time, mandated reporter laws are indispensable. In the United States, all states have statutes identifying persons who are required to report suspected child maltreatment to designated agencies.