THE family of a schoolgirl who took her own life after being targeted by cyber-bullies has expressed hope that her death will help bring about change.
A social networking site used by some of those who abused Elle Trowbridge (16) said yesterday that users can be traced.
Mandy Trowbridge said she hoped the warning would make those who target others online "think twice".
Her teenage daughter was found dead at her home in Killyclogher near Omagh on April 24, just weeks after she had celebrated her 16th birthday.
The Irish News reported yesterday how the talented show jumper was first targeted at the age of 11 on ASKfm, which allows users to create profiles and send each other questions anonymously.
She later began to self-harm and was diagnosed with depression at the age of 14.
Her mother Mandy said she now intends to work with internet providers to try to make apps and social networking sites safer for children and young people.
She welcomed a response from ASKfm which warned that those posting bullying and abusive comments can be traced.
"I welcome this news with great positivity," she said.
"If people are aware that they are not completely anonymous, it may make them think twice about the comments they make.
"This is what this is all about. We need to make change. I don't want any other child to fall victim."
ASKfm said yesterday that "no user is completely anonymous" and it takes its responsibility to protect users from cyber-bullying "very seriously".
"If a user breaks the law they can be identified and details given to law enforcement, just like any other social media service."
It added that it would be "happy to assist" with any investigation into comments sent to Elle.
