Arkansas Mother Shares Harrowing Account of Son's Self-Harm Due to Bullying
An 11-year-old boy was hospitalized after intentionally harming himself at school due to prolonged bullying, his mother stated, prompting a community-wide show of support.
A boy in Arkansas was hospitalized after intentionally harming himself at Barton Elementary School in West Helena, an incident his mother attributes to months of persistent bullying.
Wyatt Hutchins, an 11-year-old sixth grader, was rushed to the hospital on October 8. According to his mother, Miranda Patrick, Wyatt banged his head into a milk cooler and attempted to stab himself with a pair of scissors. Patrick shared on social media that her son was bullied to the point of wanting to die.
Patrick told WREG that her son also used a paper clip to try and harm himself, but thankfully the scissors were ineffective. She stated that the school did not immediately address the bullying.
Three days after being taken to a mental health facility, Wyatt was reported to be doing well and was expected to return home soon. Despite his initial apprehension about returning to school, a gesture of support from his friends and the school administration encouraged him.
Patrick organized an event where students and staff were asked to wear blue to show solidarity with Wyatt. He was met with a warm welcome on his return, with teachers, the principal, and high school students participating. Wyatt described the day as perfect, noting the presence of someone dressed as Deadpool on campus, which significantly lifted his spirits.
Patrick emphasized that the initiative was not just for Wyatt but for all children facing similar struggles, aiming to show them love and support. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Barton School District for comment. Wyatt himself expressed that he is now looking forward to attending school again.