A Wellsville High School student was hospitalized, in a drug-induced coma two weeks ago. Reportedly, the boy took an overdose of prescription drugs in an attempt to kill himself.
Students have said the teenager was distraught about being bullied - because he is gay.
Students who had the courage to come forward after the boy was hospitalized deserve credit for complaining not enough was done to protect him from bullying. Many students at the school seem to be taking it upon themselves to act against bullying.
Again, good for them. None of them could have known he was going to try to kill himself.
But the episode is a reminder of the danger in bullying - and of the necessity to act quickly and decisively against it.
School administrators and teachers throughout our area work hard to prevent bullying and stop it when they become aware. But all too often, bullies are devious enough to do their evil work out of hearing of adults. Often the first school officials know of serious bullying situations is when the victim - or other students - alert them.
That places an unfair responsibility on the shoulders of students. Many fear the consequences of coming forward to report bullying. Some are simply too timid to do so. Others don't understand how much damage can be done to victims.
Students who know of bullying should report it. If for any reason they do not feel comfortable talking to teachers or school administrators, they should tell you.
Then, you should not hesitate to contact the school. That could save a life.
