A Greenwich High School teen reportedly committed suicide after his first day of classes suspected to have been the target of online bullies.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and teachers. School crisis teams have been convened at the high school, Western Middle School and New Lebanon School, the schools that he attended," the school said in a statement to NBC Connecticut.
Bartlomiej Palosz, 15, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after he attended his first day as a sophomore in high school, according to NBC. Police officials are currently investigating the "tragic suicide."
"We do not want any of our other children to make that decision and my hats are off to his sister for in a time of pain coming out to say, 'Please, please how can you understand what would lead Bart to make that decision," Supt. Bill McKersie said during a press conference.
Bart's sister believes social media played a major role in her brother's alleged suicide, and met with the superintendent to voice her concerns, NBC reports.
"I don't know if Bart made the decision we are investigating, but as a parent, we are in a new time in terms of social media.Things that are shared that are said, that may not be meant," McKersie told NBC. "Any parent needs to say, 'How do I monitor what my child is doing? And, if I am a young adult in the school and community and I see something online, just don't let it sit."
Students reportedly wore red to pay their respects to their Polish classmate. School officials provided students and employees with mental health counselors for anyone who needed help.
The school's statement continued:
"We take seriously the importance of a positive school climate and the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Any indications that a student is experiencing significant mental health distress is addressed at the school level by personnel trained to recognize and respond to these concerns. Importantly, if any staff member believes that a student poses a danger to him/herself, or others, parents are notified and the student is immediately referred to outside supports and providers."
Officials provided phone numbers for anyone seeking help in a crisis:
Police Department: 911
United Way of Connecticut (Crisis Hotline):211
Department of Children and Families Careline /Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services: 1-800-842-2288
National Hopeline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
The National Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
