The mother of a 15-year-old boy who took his own life has said she hopes lessons will be learned from his death, after an inquest heard he was bullied on Snapchat. Jack Parker was found hanged in woodland near his home in Tyldesley, near Wigan, on July 28 last year.
An inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court heard that days before his death, 'a swirl of unsubstantiated speculation' about Jack emerged on social media. His mother, Karen Robinson, said he received threatening messages on Snapchat, including one claiming he 'was going to get jumped and needed to watch his back'. Because Snapchat messages are deleted once read, the sender could not be identified.
The inquest heard Jack had struggled during lockdown, missing friends and his girlfriend, and was overwhelmed by mock exams. His relationship with his 'first love' ended in June last year, and he had asked a friend where to get antidepressants. His mother said he would say, 'Some things I can talk to you about, mum, and some things I can't'.
On the day of his death, Jack declined to join his mother and stepfather for their wedding anniversary meal. She made him a hot chocolate and said 'I love you', to which he replied, 'I love you too'. While out, she received a text from Jack's ex-girlfriend expressing concern. She rushed home and reported him missing. Police found his body at 9pm in Colliers Wood, near Tyldesley Rugby Union Club.
Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand recorded a conclusion of suicide, describing Jack as 'a thoroughly decent, hard-working, popular young man' but with 'a number of worries and heartache'. He said there was evidence of possible undiagnosed depression and anxiety. The coroner added: 'This case is a further salutary reminder of the responsibility we all have as members of the community that whenever we send any messages into the internet ether, there is sometimes a cause and effect.'
