By By Okon Ekpenyong
The death of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, has prompted conversations about bullying, student safety, and the challenges young people can face when adjusting to a new country.
For Tonya Kelly, a Columbus educator and school principal, the tragedy is a reminder that adults must listen when students speak up—and continue checking in.
“My heart is with the family of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old who had been in this country only one year. Police have not confirmed the circumstances behind his death, and I won’t speculate. But his story has opened a conversation we need to have.
“My family has experienced bullying, and I have seen how persistent it is. It does not simply go away. No one should experience bullying. Many immigrant students stay quiet, as Javits’s father says his son did. Quiet does not mean fine.
“Watching a young man run for his life was gut-wrenching. No child should ever have to fear walking to school.
“As a school principal, I believe that when a student reports being bullied, adults must act, and then keep checking in. The first step is for a student to be safe. Students who are new to the country need connection, safe adults, and a place to belong.”
What Parents Can Do If Their Child Experiences Bullying:
Kelly offered the following advice to parents and caregivers:
- Listen first.Stay calm, thank your child for telling you, and let them know it is not their fault.
- Document everything.Write down dates, names, and what happened, and save any messages or screenshots.
- Report it to the school in writing.Contact the principal or counselor, ask what steps will be taken, and follow up until you see change.
- Report it to your Department of Education.If the school does not act, take your concerns to your district or state Department of Education.
- Call the police non-emergency number.Report bullying incidents so there is an official record. In immediate danger, call 911.
- Keep checking in.Bullying can continue after a report, so ask regularly how things are going, and bring in a counselor or trusted adult for support.
“To grieving families, and to every student who feels alone: you matter, and you are not invisible.”
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