Beaudesert State High School called out in protest over toxic bullying after two students die by suicide

The Education Minister has promised an “action plan” after protests against toxic bullying at Beaudesert State High School triggered by the suicide deaths of two students within 20 months of each other.

Concerned children and their families this morning protested against toxic bullying at Beaudesert State High School after two students suicided within 20 months of each other and several remain on suicide watch.

Chanting “what do we want? safe schools; when do we want it? now” the group spanning several generations held placards that read “stand up, speak out, no more silence” and “a voice for Onyx Rose and Lilly, never forgotten”.

Pushing prams, riding bicycles and some on walking sticks, the 40-strong group was joined by senior local police and welfare workers on the 4km round trip from Davidson Park to Beaudesert State High.

Organiser Ivy Lambert, sister of Onyx Rose who died on July 16 at age 13, said students on the school grounds joined in the final chant “kindness is the key” before being told by teachers to be quiet.

Concerned families have rallied to protest against bullying at Beaudesert State High School after two students suicided within 20 months of each other. Picture: Supplied

“How many children have to die before the authorities get serious about tackling this massive problem?” Ms Lambert told The Courier-Mail.

Lilly Osborne died by suicide, aged 16, on November 24, 2021. Both families said their children were victims of relentless bullying.

The Monday rally followed a meeting between Ms Lambert and her mother Michelle and Education Minister Grace Grace and Education Queensland director-general Michael De’Ath at Beaudesert Shire Council last Friday.

Ms Lambert said it was good to see the minister “taking notice of how much needs to change”.

She said Mrs Grace and Mr De’Ath said more psychologists and police liaison officers were already being assigned to Queensland state schools.

She said they promised to look into inner-school suspensions and safer break areas for younger students, two of many demandsput by Ms Lambert to senior education department officials when they visited Beaudesert on August 9.

Onyx Rose Lambert died on July 16 at age 13. Photo: Facebook.

The one-on-one parental meetings with the department came after extensive coverage by The Courier-Mail, including on internal surveys that showed students did not feel safe at the school and a wild student brawl in the local public library.

Ms Grace said on Monday that her department was working closely with the school and families on the issues raised, including at the August 9 in-person forum.

“Several suggestions were made at that forum and have been developed into an action plan,” Mrs Grace said.

“Some – such as increasing the chaplain position from part time to full time, enhanced supervision during break times, and consultation on the student code of conduct – are happening immediately, while others – like expanding year level play precincts and an extensive upgrade to the toilets – will take a little longer.

“Bullying is not something schools can eradicate alone, which is why the plan includes working closely with parents, families, other agencies, and the broader school community.

“I, along with my director-general, personally met with Ivy and Michelle to hear their concerns first-hand, and my department is committed to keeping them and other families informed as the rollout of the plan continues.”

Meanwhile, a change.org petition started by Ms Lambert in late July has attracted more than 10,000 signatures.

The “Save our children, say no to bullying” petition calls on the state government to introduce new laws to protect students.

Lilly Osborne, pictured at age 6, died by suicide at age 16 in November 2021.

“Our children are committing suicide and drowning in mental health issues from bullying at school and on the internet. What is being done about it? Nothing!” she writes.

“Year 7s should not be in high school. They are too young, they need that extra year to develop mentally to prepare for high school and the challenges that come with it.”

Ms Lambert said Onyx Rose (who in January told the school community she identified as a boy) was harassed and bullied about their gender choices, causing their mental health to “decline rapidly”.

Concerned families have rallied to protest against bullying at Beaudesert State High School after two students suicided within 20 months of each other. Picture: Supplied

“The school was contacted, police were contacted on so many different occasions.

“My beautiful sibling was let down by the system.”

An Education Queensland spokesperson told The Courier-Mail it respected the rights of families to hold the rally and thanked the school community and public for their peaceful actions.

In addition to Mrs Grace’s comments on specifics of the plan for Beaudesert High, the spokesperson said further actions would be developed from feedback received through the student, parent and staff consultation process.

“The department and the school leadership team continues to provide ongoing support to

Onyx’s family … and continue to support the wellbeing of all students.

“Like every other Queensland state school, Beaudesert SHS’s most important commitment is

to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff is never compromised.”

The spokesperson encouraged any student experiencing mental health concerns or parents and carers concerned about the safety and wellbeing of their child should make immediate contact with the school.

”The department is committed to investigating and acting decisively when such matters are brought to our attention.”

Beaudesert High principal Grant Stephensen was also contacted for comment.

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