Two Lapeer, Michigan middle school students hospitalized after suicide attempts linked to bullying

Keeping it Real With Dave Bondy

This is my Sunday Keeping it Real Show. I am focusing the entire show on the issue of bullying. You can watch the video below.

LAPEER, Mich. — Two 12-year-old students from Rolland-Warner Middle School in Lapeer are recovering in the hospital after attempting to take their own lives in what their families describe as the culmination of relentless bullying. The students, who are best friends, were both hospitalized after overdosing on Tylenol. The incident has prompted community outrage, with parents demanding action from school officials to address bullying and implement stricter consequences for offenders.

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The families of the students allege that the bullying had persisted for months, targeting the girls for their body image, race, and membership in the LGBTQ+ community. Despite multiple complaints to school authorities, including the principal, the families claim the school failed to take meaningful action.

“I feel like there should be something set in place, like suspending kids for bullying or other consequences,” said Lauren Davidson, the mother of one of the students. “My daughter didn’t feel safe, and now she’s in the hospital.”

According to Naomi Johns, the aunt of one of the students, the two friends were messaging each other on Discord the night of the incident, counting down together as they took the pills. Both girls were rushed to the hospital, where they are being treated for liver damage. While medically cleared, they are now in separate mental health facilities to receive ongoing support.

Community Outcry

On Friday, Nov. 22, concerned parents picketed outside Rolland-Warner Middle School, demanding more accountability from school officials. Many parents expressed frustration that their concerns had been ignored in the past, leaving them feeling helpless.

“I waited for 45 minutes to talk to someone about my daughter being racially slurred, and no one addressed it until I got loud in the office,” Davidson said. “The silence from the school makes it feel like my daughter doesn’t matter.”

The principal of Rolland-Warner has yet to make a public statement, though the school district’s superintendent has expressed his distress over the situation. In a meeting with the families, the superintendent reportedly broke down in tears, acknowledging the gravity of the issue.

Call for Change

Parents and community members are now advocating for stricter policies to prevent bullying. Suggestions include mandatory consequences for repeat offenders, restorative justice practices, and increased resources for mental health support.

“I just want someone to help me create a policy,” said Johns. “If adults were to do this, there would be legal consequences. Why should it be any different for kids?”

The incident has highlighted the broader issue of bullying in schools, particularly with the rise of social media. Advocates argue that the anonymity and reach of platforms like Discord exacerbate the problem, making it harder for students to escape harassment.

School District Response

In response to the incident, Lapeer Community Schools released a statement emphasizing its commitment to student safety and well-being. The district promised to investigate the situation and provide counseling resources for students and families.

“We feel it is important to reiterate that student safety is always the No. 1 priority at Lapeer Community Schools,” the statement read. “We encourage families to contact their child’s school if their child is faced with a crisis.”

Community Meeting Scheduled

A community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church next to Zemmer Junior High School. Parents, students, and faculty are invited to share their experiences and offer suggestions for improving the district’s policies on bullying.

As the families of the two students continue to advocate for change, they hope their story will spark a broader conversation about the impact of bullying and the need for accountability within schools.

Resources for Help

If you or someone you love is struggling, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Additional local resources, such as Lapeer Community Mental Health, can be reached at (810) 667-0500.