Dolly Everett bullying legacy: What sister Meg wishes she’d said

The sister of bullying victim Dolly Everett has revealed what she wished she’d said before the 14-year-old took her own life.

If Meg Everett could go back in time, she’d tell her little sister Dolly to speak up and ask for help.

“I wish I had the opportunity to have that conversation,” Ms Everett said.

But she never got that chance.

In January 2018, Dolly took her own life after relentless bullying from children at her Queensland boarding school. She was only 14.

Dolly’s tragic death sparked a national conversation about bullying and suicide and her grieving family started Dolly’s Dream – a foundation dedicated to stamping out bullying and giving a voice to those in need.

Each year they hold Do It For Dolly Day, a day when they encourage people to take a stand against bullying, wear blue and be kind for Dolly.

This year on Dolly’s Day, Friday, May 13, they are asking people to have the tough conversations to help end bullying. It’s a conversation they never got to have with Dolly.

“I wish I could tell her to speak up,” Ms Everett said of her little sister.

“Mum and Dad would have changed things for her.”

Meg, now 20, was about to enter Year 11 at the same school when she lost her little sister to suicide.

“Dolly was a very bright and happy young girl and she was always trying to help other people who were very clearly struggling with something,” Ms Everett said.

“She was everyone’s biggest supporter in sports or any activities.”

Meg Everett in her new role as Dolly’s Dream ambassador

Ms Everett said she had no idea of the extent of what her sister was facing, and she didn’t confide in anyone about what was happening.

“We know that half of young people don’t tell their parents if they’re being bullied which means they can’t really get help or support, and the bullying doesn’t stop,” she said.

“Most parents want to be there for their kids and especially if they’re being bullied.”

Ms Everett urged kids to speak up if they were struggling.

“Please trust your mum and dad,” she said.

“Please have a chat and explain how you are feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with them, find someone you do feel comfortable talking with.

“There is plenty of support so speak up, even if your voice shakes.”

Dolly’s mum Kate said Do It For Dolly Day was a good opportunity for families to start those tough conversations.

“We know that only about half of teens who have been bullied online tell their parents about it,” she said.

“We also know one in 10 young people have been the target of hate speech.

“Some teens hide their experiences of online bullying so well that their families have no idea anything is wrong.”

For more information on Do It For Dolly Day, how to get involved and helpful resources for families, visit the Dolly’s Dream website

Dolly Everett, 14, took her own life after relentless bullying.

Originally published as Dolly Everett bullying legacy: What sister Meg wishes she’d said