Leyton Taylor, 13, tragically died after taking his own life. An inquest heard his death came after “relentless” bullying at school because of his sexuality.

No child should ever have to suffer through bullying – especially not at school, which is supposed to be a safe space for them to learn and grow. However, for many children around the world, that safe environment is far from reality, and verbal abuse, harassment, and bullying remain widespread issues.

This is a reality Leyton Taylor’s family is now facing the devastating consequences of, as they grieve the loss of the 13-year-old who took his own life following what an inquest described as “relentless” bullying due to his sexuality at Wymondham High Academy in Norfolk, UK.

Bullied at school

According to Tyla, the boy was found unconscious in his room and died five days later in the hospital. After students at his school discovered Leyton had a boyfriend, he was allegedly subjected to bullying and cruel taunts.

Leyton’s mother, Kerry, told the court: “None of the boys in that school accepted him,” according to Tyla.

“They told him they would never accept him for the way he spoke. He was a sassy speaker, more feminine – not the ‘hard boy’ type. This wasn’t going on for just a little while,.”

His headteacher, Chris Smith, said the school was not aware of the alleged bullying.

“He had some really close friends and formed quick bonds, he attended well. He always came across as happy and confident speaking to adults,” he said, conceding that they learned “afterwards that there had been remarks made.”

Was allegedly “slapped” on the day of his death

Outside of school, Leyton also faced difficulties at home. The court heard his stepfather allegedly “slapped” him on the day of his death. He was also reportedly given more chores than his siblings and was expected to help care for his younger disabled half-brother, placing him under significant “pressure.”

Because of his brother’s disability, his mother said she “would lean on Leyton more. Now I see [Leyton’s stepdad] Kyle and me were the ones that made Leyton not be a child.”

In a statement heard by the court, Leyton’s stepfather said: “I do not feel like I treated him differently from the others. He was the only child living with us who was not biologically mine, but I brought him up as mine,” according to Tyla.

“Both Kerry and I asked him to look after [the disabled brother] quite a lot. There would be arguments because some of the other kids would not help out as much. Kerry would ask Leyton because the other kids argue back,” he said, admitting: “I also did not do enough. I should have done more.

“I will never forgive myself for what happened. I know I could have done more to help Kerry and this would have helped Leyton.”

“There did not seem to be that weekend anything out of the ordinary”

Coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that while Leyton did take his own life, there was “no evidence of his intent,” saying: “He had never run away or had a history of self-harm. He could be lippy but there did not seem to be that weekend anything out of the ordinary, apart from being told off three times in one day.

“He’s only 13. He’s a young lad. He’s probably up and down, upset, did not much like his school, did not like where he lived, had various things confiscated off him.

“It’s [all] probably normal things happening to a teenager but they’re not emotionally mature.

“I am not sure he had probably intended to end his life.”

Where to get help

On the topic of mental health and suicide, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.

For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.