Minnesota: Parents Work To Prevent Bullying After Son's Suicide

Reporting
John Lauritsen

(WCCO) 

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The Trosvik's were devastated, but Tom's death quickly became the inspiration behind a school program called Bully Buster.

CBS

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A couple who lost their son to suicide is using his death to educate kids about the negative effects of bullying. 

Fred and Kathy Trosvik got help from a big source Thursday. At Red Rock Elementary School in Woodbury, McDonald's presented the couple with a $2,000 check to put towards their cause. 

"He had a good sense of humor. He was very loving and compassionate," said Kathy Trosvik, describing her 12-year-old son, Tom. 

He loved airplanes, reading, was good at school and got along with his teachers. Kathy Trosvik believes that may have also made her son a target for bullies. 

On Feb. 8, 2006, Tom came home from school, went into his family's barn, and committed suicide. 

"After he had taken his life, then we found out that there were kids on the bus ... that had been taunting him and telling him different ways he could take his life," said Kathy.

The Trosvik's were devastated, but Tom's death quickly became the inspiration behind a school program called Bully Buster. Created by McDonald's, the program teaches kids what to do if they see bullying or are the victims of bullying. 

"I heard about the Trosvik's son, Tom, and I decided right then that I wanted anti-bullying to be the new message for McDonald's," said producer, Dan Rooney. 

The Trosvik's also want parents to be aware of what's happening with their kids in places where adults aren't always around, such school hallways and on the school bus. To get that message across, Fred and Kathy have started their own non-profit organization. 

The Trosvik's say they will use the money to purchase anti-bullying books for schools. They plan on continuing to keep their son's memory alive, by traveling to schools across the state and telling their story. 

"We have had reports back from teachers or youth ministers that they've even had kids tell them that they were thinking of committing suicide, but because we spoke to them about the pain that we have gone through, they have changed their mind and reached out for help. Knowing we have helped detour that means everything to us," said Kathy Trosvik.