The grieving family of a transgender boy who took his own life after he was allegedly subjected to relentless bullying has issued a list of demands for change to the Department of Education.
Onyx Rose Lambert, 13, who attended Beaudesert State Secondary School, was found dead by her mother at the family home in Beaudesert, Queensland, on Sunday, July 16.
It has since been revealed that at least three other Year 7 students are on suicide watch and an internal survey showed that many students did not feel safe at school.
Onyx’s devastated family told Daily Mail Australia that he had been brutally bullied by other students after he started using the he/him pronouns.
“She had no gender issues, she accepted that she wanted to be a boy,” said Onyx’s sister, Ivy Lambert, speaking on behalf of the family.
Onyx Rose Lambert (pictured), 13, who attended Beaudesert State High School, was found dead by her mother at the family home in Beaudesert.
‘The kids at school wouldn’t accept it. The students made fun of him in front of everyone.
“It got so bad that he would be shaking if he was forced to go to school.”
Onxy’s parents, along with about 20 other parents, met with senior representatives from the Department of Education on Wednesday.
Ivy explained that “important issues” were discussed with department officials, as well as a list of demands for change.
“We are demanding real change because children come to school to learn and feel safe, not to be bullied to death,” he said. the courier mail.
“We’re not going to stop until we see a real difference.”
These changes include in-school suspensions for students who misbehave or bully others. Suspended students would do school work instead of staying home.
Another demand is that the school take students who witness and report bullying and antisocial behavior more seriously.
Parents also want a buddy system to be adopted between older and younger students to make younger students feel more secure.
Other changes include a separate compound for Year 7, Year 8 and special education students in the school yard to ‘protect’ them from older pupils, and for teachers to be on duty in bus drop off and pick up areas.
Following Onyx’s death, it was requested that a trained transgender counselor also be at the school to help and support transgender students.
It has since been revealed that at least three other Year 7 students are on suicide watch and an internal survey showed that most pupils do not feel safe at Beaudesert State High School (pictured)
Ivy Lambert (pictured right with Onyx (formerly Rose) left) said her brother’s death would not be in vain and would change the school system that she believes allowed bullying to flourish.
The department will submit the list of demands to Queensland’s education minister Grace Grace.
Ms. Lambert and her family will seek a timeline from the department as to when the changes are expected to be implemented.
Tragically, Onyx isn’t the only student at the school to take her own life.
Lilly Patricia Rose Osborne, 16, was found dead in November 2021. Her mother claimed she was also brutally harassed.
The bullying got so bad that her mother took her out of Beaudesert State High School to homeschool her before taking her own life after students harassed her on social media.
An internal survey revealed that about 38 percent of students did not feel safe at Beaudesert State High School last year. This was an increase from 10 percent five years ago.
While 34 percent agreed with the statement “student behavior is well managed.”
Onyx’s family is seeking justice for what they claimed was a failure to respond or duty to care for the harassment she suffered.
They said Onyx wanted to become a vet and work with animals before her tragic death.
“We haven’t received any support from the school … the teachers have been instructed not to discuss it with the students either,” Ivy said.
“I was blocked when I contacted the school’s official Facebook page.”
Onyx didn’t want to go to school after complaining that other students made fun of him when he changed his pronouns to masculine.
Onyx’s parents, along with about 20 other parents, met with top representatives of the Department of Education and issued a list of demands for action on Wednesday.
However, after being contacted by Daily Mail Australia, director Grant Stephensen offered support to the family, sending a retroactive email to the parents, several days after Onyx’s passing.
“Keep in mind that his family is in our thoughts at this time.” she was beginning a letter to Ivy.
“My staff and I have been deeply affected by this.”
‘They have given us pause for thought and we want to make sure Beaudesert SHS is a safe place for students to learn. Your voice is an important part of our reflection.’
Mr. Stephensen also reached out to parents via email and offered that students could talk to counselors about their feelings.
“The school has put in place a process that allows students the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feelings with trained professional staff,” the email said.
‘Guidance officers will be available at the school should your child need further advice or support.’
A Queensland Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that allegations of bullying at Beaudesert State School are being investigated and support has been offered to staff and students.
“Staff and students close to the student were spoken to directly, while others were informed at assemblies or through information sent to parents,” the department said.
“The school has been in regular contact with the student’s family and is also speaking with local elders.”
The department went on to say that guidance officers and support staff remain available through the school’s wellness center.
Following the death of Onyx (pictured), it was requested that a trained transgender counselor be at the school to help and support transgender students.
Ivy has launched A GoFundMe to help her family raise funds for Onyx’s funeral costs and for a rally to be held at the end of August that will push for change from the Department of Education.
“Mom tried so hard to help (Onyx) through her struggles, numerous counseling appointments, doctor appointments, constantly calling the school,” Ivy said.
I hope to take as much stress off of you as possible.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Beaudesert State High School for comment.
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