Chinese Child Actress Shao Yibo, 15, Attempts Suicide After Getting Bullied In School; Mum Writes An Open Letter Seeking Justice

Chinese child actress Shao Yibo, 15, has starred in many dramas and films, including Zhui Meng Shao Nian (2020) and Looking Up (2019). She also worked with stars like Wallace Huo, Yang Mi and Deng Chao.

Recently, Yibo’s mum took to social media to reveal that Yibo attempted suicide because she was bullied in school. Seeking justice for her daughter, she pointed fingers at both students and teachers, hoping that the police would step in to investigate the case.

In a letter posted on June 17, Yibo’s mum explained that her daughter’s form teacher initially accused Yibo of being proud and disrespectful to her classmates.

Her mum refused to believe that her daughter behaved that way and later found out that Yibo was actually the one who was getting ostracised and called names. She was also told by her peers to “go and die”.

When Yibo's mum demanded the bullies write apology letters to her daughter, the parents of one of the bullies questioned Yibo's mum motives. 

During the confrontation, the bully then broke down in tears and admitted her wrongdoings. Yibo’s mum, who initially wanted to make a police report, decided to drop the matter after the bully begged for forgiveness.

Little did she know, the bullying did not stop.

In November last year, after telling her mum that she was heading out to exercise, Yibo attempted suicide by jumping off a building. She was gravely injured and suffered damage to many of her organs.

Thankfully, she received treatment in time and she slowly regained use of her bodily functions after more than three months.

However, Yibo is still recovering from her injuries and is struggling to live life like she used to. On top of that, she has racked up huge hospital bills.

“My physical and mental health have taken a great hit too,” wrote Yibo’s mum.

According to Yibo’s mum, she tried contacting the school numerous times but was turned down due to “Covid measures”. Thus, she could not speak to the parents of the bullies.

She also claimed that Yibo's teacher had hid the truth from everyone, telling students that Yibo's suicide attempt was due to "a disagreement with her mum”.

The school’s principal also allegedly told Yibo’s mum: “If I were you, I wouldn’t come to the school, nor would I look for the parents of the other students. I wouldn’t even send my kid to school.”

Her mum, who was enraged by the school’s negligence and refusal to help, asserted that they were “not worthy to be educators”.

Although she knew it would be best to avoid the matter altogether and move away, Yibo’s mum believed that in doing so, Yibo would never learn to love herself and find the confidence to be strong.

As such, she felt that it was important to seek justice.

After the letter was made public, many who worked with Yibo voiced out their support for her. They also vouched that the Yibo they know is a kind and well-behaved girl.

Many netizens also supported an investigation of the teachers and students in the school, saying such bullying is not acceptable.

Photos: Chinapress

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping, here are some numbers to call:

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

CHAT @ *SCAPE: (+65) 6493 6500, (+65) 6493 6501

SAF Counselling Hotline: 1800-278-0022