Bullyproof Australia

The Story of Erin

Erin 1
Rest In Peace
Erin White
20/August/2000 - 19/September/2014

Erin's Journey

-A Heartfelt Reflection

by Frank Mechler,
(Co-Founder of Bullyproof Australia)

This narrative begins with a sombre acknowledgement: Erin’s story is not unique; it unfolds in the lives of countless school students across Australia.

Meeting Erin at the tender age of eight, her vibrant spirit and polite demeanour left an indelible mark. Her father, Chris, a dedicated military man, grappled with lengthy deployments, a necessary aspect of his job that weighed heavily on him despite 20 years of service. Our interactions, often accompanied by Erin, became moments where Chris sought to make up for lost time with his son and daughter.

Over the years, Chris confided in me about Erin’s torment at school, a distressing situation that persisted despite interventions with school authorities. As she entered high school, Chris hoped for a fresh start, yet the bullying escalated, becoming more physical and extending beyond school hours.

Erin’s isolation grew; she withdrew from her family, lacking close friends to confide in. Like many bullied kids, she internalized the hurtful words, grappling with self-blame and the belief that she was the problem. Feeling powerless, Erin saw no escape from the relentless bullying. Tragically, on September 19, 2014, just a month after her 14th birthday, Erin took her own life.

The devastation of that moment is vivid in my memory, holding Chris in my arms as he sobbed at the inexplicable loss of his daughter. The heart-wrenching reality is that Erin’s story echoes across our nation, where students grapple with the same pain, unsure how to halt the torment.

It is these stories, like Erin’s, that fueled the inception of Bullyproof Australia. We refuse to stand idle until ALL school students are equipped with conflict management skills, ensuring they navigate bullying with resilience and find the support needed to rewrite their stories for the better.