Threats, suicide and cyberbullying: A shocking case shocks everyone

Threats, suicide and cyberbullying: A shocking case shocks everyone

On April 9, 2025, the tragic death of Lisa-Maria Kellermayr made headlines around the world. The case is related to massive threats that Kellermayr received via digital channels. Roman M. (61) admitted to having written threatening emails, but was not held responsible for Kellermayr's death. In her farewell letter, Kellermayr made reference to Roman M., who threatened in his emails to bring “creatures” like her before a “people’s tribunal”.

The judge, who gave detailed reasons for Roman M.'s acquittal, stated that he was only charged with “dangerous threats resulting in death”. Further anonymous threatening emails were also discovered from an unknown sender named Claas, which warned Kellermayr of a painful death. The threats she received affected Kellermayr so much that she lived in fear, which ultimately led to her suicide. This development highlights the serious consequences of cyberbullying.

The dark side of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying poses a significant challenge to the mental health of young people in the digital society. According to the Alliance against cyberbullying The effects can not only burden those affected, but also their families and circles of friends. In extreme cases, cyberbullying and the associated psychosocial stress lead to serious suicidal thoughts.

The Cyberlife V study shows that almost a quarter of cyberbullying victims, affecting approximately 500,000 students, had suicidal thoughts. What is worrying is that around 13% of those affected resorted to alcohol or tablets in desperation. In addition, 19% of satisfied students and 35% of dissatisfied students reported thoughts of suicide. Such statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the issues of suicide prevention and mental health in schools.

Prevention and support

The results of the Cyberlife V study emphasize the need for prevention work in a school context. Teachers play a central role in identifying and preventing cyberbullying. Signs of affected students can include sudden changes in behavior, avoidance of social contacts and anxious behavior when using digital devices. Recommended prevention measures include awareness-raising and education, the involvement of external specialists, the promotion of peer groups and the strengthening of media literacy.

In addition, a fundraising campaign called PressContinue took place in September, where well-known Twitch streamers held a DeepTalk about suicide prevention via Twitch. Experts and the Alliance Against Cyberbullying discussed the psychological stress that those affected are exposed to. An open dialogue on this issue must be promoted among the public in order to ensure, in the long term, that the dangers of cyberbullying are adequately recognized and combated.