The nine-year-old, who lives with dwarfism, was filmed by his mother in tears after being tormented at school. As he broke down he uttered the heartbreaking words: "I just want to die right now".

The footage sparked an incredible response from people around the world.

Alongside fundraising campaigns, more importantly, the example reignited an important conversation around bullying and its devastating consequences.

Closer to home, the story of a 12-year-old Riverside High School student who was allegedly physically and racially abused by his peers has resonated with many.

The boy's father said his son came home from school in tears and told him: "If I'm not here anymore I won't get bullied".

The matter, which is now being investigated by the Education Department, is said to have left Tasmania's own Education Minister "heartbroken".

In Jeremy Rockliff's words: "All students have an absolute and fundamental right to be free from bullying, harassment and discrimination."

Now, the impact of bullying is widely known. And while it might not be a new phenomenon, it has changed significantly in recent years. Because now everyone is more connected than ever before.

Those who went to school before the world of social media still experienced contributed to or witnessed bullying. Many would also have witnessed bullying in a workplace or within a community organisation. A lot still do.

And while schools might be viewed as being at the forefront of the problem and the solution, progress will never be made if parents and the wider community are not involved.

It's up to everyone to lead by example and ensure respect for others is at the forefront of everything we do.

We all have a role to play and conversations must be had with young people to ensure they speak up about their own experiences and most importantly speak out against those who bully.

Because it is never acceptable.