"It remains unclear why Billy became a target at age 12; schoolyard anthropology can be so nuanced. Maybe because he was so tall, or wore glasses then, or has a learning disability that affects his reading comprehension. Or maybe some kids were just bored. Or angry."

Whatever. The truth of the matter is that everyone has the right to enjoy their lives without being harassed either emotionally or physically. One can say that it's just kids being kids, but I've seen my share of those kids "grow up" into cyber bullies. I, for one, don't get any perverse pleasure from tormenting others and those who do? Well, my patience grows thin very easily with jerks.

"In ninth grade, a couple of the same boys started a Facebook page called “Every One That Hates Billy Wolfe.” It featured a photograph of Billy’s face superimposed over a likeness of Peter Pan, and provided this description of its purpose:

“There is no reason anyone should like billy he’s a little bitch. And a homosexual that NO ONE LIKES.”

A HOMOSEXUAL NO ONE LIKES. Think about the power of those words. Are all slurs created equal?

poor kid, hope he's getting counseling. maybe home schooling until college -- or he could study for the GED. I know this does not address the socialization problems of the school, but it could save this boy's mental health. It would be awful for him to "explode" and turn to violence for retaliation.

Why GED? What if he wants a higher education? Some universities and colleges don't accept GED. Someone has got to get through to the parents of the bullies and if need be go as high as they can and demand charges be brought against the bullies and their parents. Homosexual or not, Billy does not deserve the treatment he is now receiving.