Airdrie teen inspires council on anti-bullying bylaw

An Airdrieteenager andher motherhope that changes to a city bylaw will help fight bullying in their southern Alberta community.

Mackenzie Murphy, 13, had been heckled and harassed for several years. She says she was anonymously insulted and derided on social media.

The harassment became so extreme last year that she was on the verge of attempting suicide,Murphy said.

"I was told to go kill myselfand I guess I took that and tried."

Her mother, Tara Murphy, learned of her daughter's distress from a text message and was able to intervene before the teen carried out her suicide attempt.

Mackenzie's story has inspired the mayor and council in Airdrie to take a stand against bullying. Council is planning to add anti-bullying provisions to an existing bylaw.

The changeswill get first reading at a city council meeting on Monday evening.

The anti-bullying provisions of the bylaw include fines for offenders and counselling.