A Deathly Silence

A Teen’s Suicide

Produced by Australian Broadcasting Corporation

This powerful film examines the intellectual attraction of suicide to a vulnerable teen and the catastrophic impact on his family. Campbell Bolton came from a high achieving, middle class family and had no background of drug abuse, violence or psychiatric illness. He was funny, charismatic and extremely intelligent. He ran away from home and was not heard from for 16 days before committing suicide.

Shortly before, Campbell’s grades had fallen dramatically. Prof. Graham Martin, a suicide prevention expert, feels this caused a major blow to his self esteem. He was also troubled by his sexuality. Campbell knew he was gay and had come out to his friends; however he had not told his family. When he learned that his brother Angus found out, he was deeply distressed.

Campbell’s family will never recover from the shock and loss. The whole community grieved. The principal of his school was very concerned about “copycat” deaths so Campbell’s father gave a talk at school. Campbell’s mother says, “Everyone is shocked but then the conversation stops. That’s why it’s so important to highlight what happens.” Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.

43 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $75.