Ep 12. Mean Girls

Dateline season 19 episode 12, titled "Mean Girls," delves into a disturbing case of high school bullying. In a small town in Illinois, a teenager named Rebecca Sedwick committed suicide after enduring relentless bullying both in person and online. At the time of her death, Rebecca was just 12 years old.

The episode initially introduces viewers to the happy-go-lucky Rebecca, a girl who loved horses and spending time with her friends. But as middle school began, Rebecca's life took a turn for the worse. She was relentlessly bullied by a group of girls, both in person and through social media. The girls would call her names, tell her to "drink bleach," and urge her to kill herself. Despite attempts from her mother and school officials to intervene, the bullying continued.

Tragically, Rebecca took her own life in September 2013. The episode explores how her mother, Tricia Norman, coped with the devastating loss and sought justice for her daughter. Dateline speaks with Tricia and other members of Rebecca's family, as well as law enforcement officials and experts in the field of bullying.

One of the primary questions explored in the episode is who should be held responsible for Rebecca's death. Two of the main bullies, both girls in their early teens, were arrested and charged with aggravated stalking. However, there is also discussion around the parents of those girls, who many feel did not do enough to stop their daughters' behavior. Tricia Norman talks about her frustration with the legal system and her desire to see more accountability for parents of bullies.

Throughout the episode, Dateline also highlights the prevalence of bullying in schools and the devastating consequences it can have. We hear from experts who discuss the impact of bullying on young people's mental health and the importance of early intervention. There is also discussion around the role of technology in bullying, with social media platforms providing a new and insidious way for kids to harass and humiliate their peers.

Despite the heavy subject matter, "Mean Girls" is a compelling and important episode that sheds light on a critical issue facing young people today. It is a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the well-being of our youth.