HARROGATE (WATE) - The mother of a sixth grader who was bullied at a Claiborne County school filed assault and harassment charges against the two students who've physically harmed her daughter.
Alexis Downes, 13, said she had been bullied at school both verbally and physically for almost a month. She said she enjoys spending time with friends and family and used to enjoy school, but that hasn't been the case for the past month.
"They're calling me sexual names and telling people to say stuff about me just bad stuff," said Alexis.
Alexis's mother, Sue Downes, said it started online and escalated from there.
"All the stuff written online about how they would beat her up, send her to her grave. Just harassment. Then at school the next day it started getting worse," said Sue Downes.
This was one of the comments on Facebook about Alexis:
"I got rid of a girl I've tried to be nice to since the 4th grade. I don't like her and I never have".
Alexis has received this type of harassment at school, too.
"Nothing happens in the classes, but when it comes to lunch or PE time, you can hear all around people talking about me," said Alexis.
She said she has tried to get school officials involved to help, too.
"I go to the school at least 3 times a week and all they tell me is that they will document it and take care of it but nothing has been done," she said.
Now things have gotten physical. One student dropped a book on her head. Another time, bullies intentionally hit her in the face with a ball. That's why Sue Downes said she's pressing charges, saying she just wants Alexis to be safe at school. Now, Alexis wishes she didn't have to attend school at all.
"I don't want to go a lot of times, but I know I have to suck it up and go anyway," she said.
Alexis said right now, her home is her safe haven.
