The mum of a teenage girl who tragically took her life after being bullied by trolls online has urged more parents to spot the signs.

Honey Cook, 15, was found dead in her bedroom on February 14, 2021 by horrified mum Gemma Youngs. But following the teen’s shock death, investigations into her internet use uncovered vile messages sent to her by two strangers she’d never even met.

Now Gemma has spoken out about the devastating impact on cyberbullying and online abuse to mark the four-year anniversary of her daughter’s death, as it was revealed the perpetrators of the abuse were tracked down and told what they had done.

“On Valentine’s Day 2021 I went to get her up for dinner and I found that she’d taken her own life,” mum Gemma said. “We found out later that she’d been horrendously bullied online by a group on social media.”

In a previous tribute to her daughter, Gemma told the Barnsley Chronicle there had been no signs she was struggling, describing Honey as “my best friend”. “She was smart, talented, caring and beautiful.”

Police launched an investigation into Honey’s death, speaking to two 13-year-old girls who were interviewed and dealt with through restorative justice. At the time, encouraging or assisting serious self-harm was not illegal and officers could only look at prosecuting them for malicious communications.

Since then, the 2023 Online Safety Act now makes it a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison. Gemma, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, added: “It’s been really hard for me and her little sisters, and the only thing I could think of to get us through it was to give ourselves a project to give it a meaning.”

Inspiring Gemma funnelled her grief into the charity Bee Kind for Honey, which aims to prevent teen suicides. In a candid interview released by South Yorkshire Police, she spoke out to urge other parents to spot the signs their child may be a victim or even perpetrator of online abuse.

“There’s not always signs that something’s going on, but just be aware of what they’re looking at,” she added. “I know you can’t always police what children are looking at on their phones, especially teenagers because you need to give them their privacy.

“But just be aware of there are any changes in their behaviour or if you think they’re spending more time on the phone or getting teary, and make them aware of how they should be with their peers. Don’t let them get away with bullying or picking on people.”

The two girls spoken to by Investigating Officer Sarah Clayton later expressed their remorse about their abuse, and instead of criminal action faced restorative justice – a method aimed helping perpetrators understand the impact of their actions through community resolution.

Heartbreaking data from the Office of National Statistics last year found that nearly one in five children (19.1%) had experience some form of bullying online in 2023, 18% of whom did not tell anyone. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, girls were far more likely to experience online bullying than boys.

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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