Coroner Finds No Evidence of Bullying in 2017 Death of 14-Year-Old Girl

A coroner has determined that there was “no evidence” indicating a 14-year-old girl, who died by suicide in 2017, had been subjected to online bullying. Megan Evans, aged 14, was discovered deceased at her residence in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, amid claims that she had faced bullying from other students and young individuals on social media platforms, including Snapchat. During an inquest held at Pembrokeshire County Hall, investigators concluded that there was “nothing to suggest targeted abuse” directed at Megan, either within the school environment or online. Coroner Paul Bennett officially ruled her death as suicide. Testimony presented at the inquest revealed that Megan remained at home with her three siblings on the evening of 7 February, 2017, while her parents were away in Cardiff. Earlier accounts indicated that Megan had been “picked on” by staff members at Milford Haven School due to issues with her school uniform. Nicola Harteveld, Megan’s mother, additionally asserted that the school failed to address the “warning signs” indicating a decline in Megan’s mood. Mr. Bennett informed the inquest that, regarding matters concerning her school uniform, “Megan was not treated differently to any other pupil.” He further stated that there was “ample evidence” demonstrating the school’s implementation of policies designed to prevent bullying and increase awareness, such as holding assemblies and providing “bully buttons” for anonymous reporting by pupils. Megan’s family and friends testified at the inquest, expressing their belief that she had been “picked away at” by Mark Styles, who held responsibility for behavioural management at that period. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Bennett stated that, notwithstanding the testimony provided by Megan’s best friend, Chloe Boswell, he “did not believe this to be the case.” Addressing the subject of online bullying, the coroner remarked that it was “difficult to recognise distinction between matters that occurred inside and outside of school.” He also noted that children and young people possess “different perceptions of bullying.” Mr. Bennett shared his observation that, based on his experience, expressions like “go kill yourself” were in “regular use” online. He elaborated that such phrases could be interpreted in various ways, stating: “What may be bullying to one could be banter to another.” He further identified a “fundamental difficulty” in the fact that Megan did not confide in any of her closest friends about her struggles. Numerous witnesses testified during the inquest that Megan seemed “bubbly” in the period preceding her death and was anticipating a school trip to France. Mr. Bennett concluded that Megan was preoccupied by other concerns at the time of her passing. He stated: “Megan was troubled by concern of her father’s illness and arguments with other children that her boyfriend was being unfaithful.” He observed that the manner in which Megan’s body was discovered indicated a “determination” on her part to avoid rapid discovery or interruption, and that her decision was not attributable to “bullying or use of social media.” Following his conclusion, Mr. Bennett spoke directly to Megan’s family, who had been present throughout the inquest. He conveyed, “I’d like to say how sorry I am that Megan died in the circumstances she did,” and also expressed regret for the “time it’s taken to reach this stage.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.