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School Bullying Victim Awarded $800K

By J. Kelman, Newser User

Posted May 14, 2007 5:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – An 18-year-old Australian is over $800,000 richer today after a court ruled that his life was "all but destroyed" by school bullying. Australia's Supreme Court said the public school system "grossly failed" Ben Cox when it didn't stop an older student from repeatedly physically and verbally abusing him in kindergarten and first grade.

When Cox's mother complained to education authorities, they told her "bullying builds character" and declined to intervene. Her son now suffers from severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is on a disability pension and, his mother told the Sydney Morning Herald, spends most of his time in his bedroom playing PlayStation.

' (Index Open (http://www.indexopen.com))

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School Bullying Victim Awarded $800K

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Australia • children • school • bullying • Ben Cox • elementary school • teenager

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Australia Clears Red M&M of Bullying Charges

Aussies let candy off hook after prolonged ethics probe

Gay Teen Jumps to Suspended Teacher's Defense

In viral video, Graeme Taylor cites suicide attempt at age 9

Aussie Soldiers Charged in Afghan Kids' Deaths

Three ex-soldiers face host of charges over botched raid

Schools Struggle Mightily to Deal With Cyberbullying

Disciplining kids can get educators in hot water

Bieber Concert Canceled After Fans Faint

Mob rushes stage amid 'Bieber Fever'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?