'Shocking thing to joke about': Students slammed for suicide prank video
A "shocking” prank video on Twitter has landed a group of students at a US high school in hot water after making light of suicide.
The Waterloo Region District School Board spoke to several students from Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute and their parents on Thursday about the video, which depicts a student pretending to hang himself.
The clip also shows the student smiling while grasping at the rope around his neck as others are heard encouraging him, according to the paper.
“We’re all shocked and disappointed by that video,” a spokesperson for the school board told The Spectator.
“That’s a very disappointing and shocking thing to joke about.”
The school board became aware of the video on Wednesday, the paper says, which is part of mental health week, where the school board was participating in a mental health awareness campaign.
The incident also comes as school boards across the country are trying to find a way to deal with the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which depicts a high school student killing herself.
The school board didn’t tell The Spectator if they disciplined the students for their Twitter video, but added, “I think it’s safe to say we’ve got their attention.”
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
