US school forced 12-year-old girl to hug bully

The heartbroken parents of a 12-year-old girl who committed suicide in the US after being bullied in school are suing the New Jersey school district for not doing enough to protect the girl.

A lawsuit filed by the parents of Mallory Grossman says the 12-year-old girl was taunted relentlessly by school colleagues, before she killed herself on June 14, 2017.

Cruel messages sent via text and Snapchat by her cruel schoolmates asked the girl when she was going to kill herself, called her "fat", "jiggly" and told her she had no friends.

The girl was reportedly told by the school to hug one of her tormentors in an attempt at reconciliation. Photo / GoFundMe

The mother, Dianne Grossman, said both she and her husband repeatedly contacted the school about the bullying their child was being subjected to.

They believe the school did not respond adequately.

According to the lawsuit filed by the family, Mallory ate her lunch in a guidance counsellor's office in order to avoid bullies.

She was also allegedly forced to hug one of her bullies as an attempt at reconciliation.

According to the grieving mum, those who bullied her daughter have not been punished despite the tragic outcome.

Grossman has become an anti-bullying advocate and has started a group called "Mallory's Army" to honour her daughter's memory by fighting for others being bullied.

A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for a memorial to honour the child.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.