Recently I read the devastating story about beautiful “Tilly” Matilda Rosewarne who, in February at the tender age of 15, tragically took her own life.
For many years Tilly suffered at the hands of heartless bullies until she could bear it no more.
Tilly’s broken-hearted parents want to do everything they can to prevent other children from suffering like Tilly did in her final years. They shared this message following her funeral:
“Sadly, Tilly died from a thousand cuts that occurred over the course of her short life.
If anything can come from the loss of Tilly, we wish that our education system moves past the security of ‘having a policy’ or observing RU OK days, to ensuring that real, hard conversations are had, and that bullying behaviour is challenged and stopped, and that genuine repercussions are followed through.
And finally, to stress to our young people … Every post you write, every image you share, every word you say, has an impact. We beg you, before you post, share or speak, ask yourself three questions:
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, do not post, do not share or do not speak.”
These words are so powerful. There are so many lessons we can learn from Tilly’s story, but lessons are worth little if we are not prepared to take action.
We should be speaking to our children about what happened to Tilly, but I believe we also need to ask ourselves some serious questions:
- Where are they learning this behaviour?
- What are we role modelling to young people?
This problem this is much bigger than our young people. When I look around, I see adults posting, sharing and speaking words without careful thought about the impact on others. How can we expect our children to do as we say, and not as we do?
To honour Tilly and her parents, we must lead by example. I’m sure we all want to live in a world that is uplifting, safe, encouraging and hopeful, but we must be the change we wish to see. These are the concrete actions I commit to take in Tilly’s memory, and I hope you will join me.
- I will only post, share and speak with conscious kindness.
- I will ensure anything I put into the public arena is real and true.
- I will share uplifting, safe, encouraging and hopeful messages.
- I will use my voice to change the world for future generations.
Let me know what you think we can do to create a world where children like Tilly can flourish.
Heartfelt thanks,
Leigh Hearl and the Meg Heart Team