OVER the last 20 years or so, I have written about over a dozen or so children (11-15) who have killed themselves.

Bullying seems to have been a factor in most of these tragedies.

Years ago, you could not get a school to admit they had a bullying problem but it is widely admitted now.

Even if the school controls it on the premises, the child can be vulnerable between school and home.

Bullying is so commonplace that it can seem like a norm (hence the oft-raised banter debate).

All 12 tragedies were memorable but I will mention one from memory. A school bus driver was picking on a “loner” kid by calling him “Billy No Mates”. How sad for all concerned.

Alas there will be other similar tragedies, so my writings add to the media’s knowledge on the subject.

I try not to get this serious too often but it behoves people like me with some word-based ability to contribute.

I was once told by a nonsensitive type that these tragedies were the norm. Maybe, but if we really want to be normal we should try to do something to reduce the agony.

MAX NOTTINGHAM, Lincoln.