Kiwi readers have responded with messages of support and similar stories of bullying after a brave UK mother shared a heartbreaking photo of her bullied daughter on social media.
Carrie Gollege, from Devon in England, posted on Facebook a photo of her six-year-old daughter Sophia asleep after she was hospitalised due to bullying - the picture has since been shared over 250,000 times.
After her emotional story was shared on 1 NEWS' Facebook Page , New Zealanders came forward with stories of their own experiences of bullying.
"My granddaughter is now 16 and still refers to being bullied at junior school. The school always thought up excuses. Saying it usually goes away if you ignore them," Valerie wrote.
"My daughter spent six weeks in hospital with a head injury. School tried to sweep it under the carpet. I wouldn't let them," Roxy said.
Teresa went through a similar pain.
"My daughter was bullied when she was 6 and her hair fell out from the stress. Was heartbreaking."
Ellen shared an experience of her own.
"I was bullied at high school in the UK for 5 years, until I hit the bully. 1983 to 1988," she said.
"I have battled what I call my "gremlins" most of my adult life. It's sad to see bullying is still going on."
Ms Gollege subsequently posted on Facebook after seeing her photo go viral, saying that "this is becoming so much bigger than I imagined and is not just for Sophia but every one who has gone through this and every one who is too scared to tell their story".
She later posted her daughter had moved schools and was doing much better.
SHARE ME