Girl, 14, who was bullied died by suicide, coroner rules

January 26, 2024

A 14-year-old girl who experienced "bullying behaviour" died by suicide, a coroner has ruled.

Mia Janin was found dead at her family home in Harrow, northwest London, on 12 March 2021 one day after asking her parents about moving school.

Two undated letters in Mia's handwriting were found on her bed addressed to "her loving family and friends", which "explained that Mia decided to end her life".

The year 10 pupil had experienced "bullying behaviour", the area coroner Tony Murphy said, but did not say that bullying led to her death.

The coroner said the Jewish Free School (JFS) she had attended brought in systematic changes after her death.

They acknowledged she had received hostile messages to a TikTok she had posted, but added she was never diagnosed with mental illness nor did she present signs she was thinking of suicide.

Mariano Janin, her father, previously said he believed his daughter was cyber-bullied by other pupils at the school.

"Horrible messages" were said to be circulating in a Snapchat group created by boys at her school, an inquest previously heard.

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In statements previously given to the Metropolitan Police by Mia's friends, one child said: "They took screenshots of girls' faces on social media and made fun of them. They shared a video of Mia's TikTok and made fun of her.

"They used girls' faces on porn stars' bodies to upset us."

Another child said Mia had received negative comments on the TikTok video from other pupils.

"Mia said she was fine, but I don't think that she was fine," she added.

Referring to Mia asking if people "would care" after "you die", one child said they "laughed it off" as "it was just in normal conversation".

There was no evidence that any images or videos involving Mia had been shared in the group chat, except for the TikTok, Mr Murphy said.

Mia's death highlighted conversations on whether under-16s should be banned from using smartphones for the sake of their mental health.

Conservative MP and former teacher Miriam Cates put the question to Rishi Sunak on Wednesday citing "a marked increase in poor teen mental health, teen suicide attempts, and children addicted to pornography" since 2010.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively, letters can be mailed to: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.

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