State Rep. Steve Eliason (R-Sandy) says the recent death of 10-year-old Isabella Tichenor highlights the problem of youth suicide in the state of Utah.Izzy’s mother, Brittany, says her daughter from North Salt Lake was bullied at school because she was black and autistic.
Data from the Safe UT app, which provides free counseling to young people who are struggling with mental health, indicated that bullying continues to be a serious issue in the state. In fact, it is one of the top reasons young people turn to the app for help.
Eliason says this tragedy “needs to be a wake-ip call to policy makers, parents, teachers and every citizen in the state of Utah.” He says schools must have no tolerance toward bullying and there must be serious consequences for kids who bully others. He says parents of bullies should be held accountable for what their child is doing.