Mother calls for action after daughter, 13, dies by suicide

Flossie Newson, a 13-year-old girl, tragically took her own life after experiencing anxiety related to her friendships at school. Her mother, Caroline Newson, noticed a significant change in Flossie's behavior in the weeks leading up to her death, but was unaware of the severity of her mental health struggles. Despite seeking help through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and private therapy, they faced long waiting times and were unable to provide timely support. The day before her death, Flossie had a conversation with her parents about her self-harming behavior, and they reassured her of their support. However, she returned home from school the following day and ended her life, leaving her family and friends in shock. Only a few hints, such as her Spotify playlist and some comments to friends, indicated her distress. Caroline Newson is now advocating for increased awareness and education about suicide among children, emphasizing the need for schools to address this issue earlier in students' lives. She believes that the current approach, which often begins discussions in Year 10, is insufficient given the challenges teenagers face today. Mrs. Newson calls for a change in how suicide is discussed, urging schools and the government to take parental concerns seriously. She highlights the stigma surrounding suicide, which makes it difficult for families and educators to engage in open conversations about mental health, ultimately calling for a more proactive approach to prevent similar tragedies in the future.