SCHOOLGIRL Toni Connell, 15, who tragically died last week, posted a heartbreaking video about being bullied on Youtube a year ago, it has been revealed.

The Ockendon Academy pupil did not speak in the video, just held up a series of post-it notes that explained how she was bullied at school.

In the video she also explained how she had thought about taking her own life, no less than five times.

She denounced suicide saying 'don't let them win'.

Toni, from South Ockendon, said: "Loads of stuff gets spread about me. Loads of people hate me. I have one true friend - others are lying b****es.

"I've been bullied since Year 7. The next three are names I've been called: ugly, lesbian, tramp.

"To be popular you have to be a slag, long hair, pretty, have boobs.

"Make up makes me pretty. I don't know what to do?!?

"Suicidal five times. Don't do suicide, don't let them win."

She went on to suggest drawing a butterfly on the arm to prevent self-harming – and to imagine the butterfly is a friend or relative.

The video was part of an art project at the school.

This comes after her mother Amanda Connell spoke to the Thurrock Gazette this week about how she felt academic pressures and bullying contributed to her daughter's death. 

She said she was angry with the school because they never informed her of bullying problems but had 'swept them under the carpet.' 

Mrs Connell spoke of her daughter’s happy and studious personality, saying: “Toni was a very bubbly and happy girl always singing, dancing or talking.  She spent most of her time studying when she got home from school and she had so much going on this year that she couldn’t wait for. 

“She wanted to be on Hollyoaks and had an upcoming audition for drama school.

“She will be truly missed by everyone and a part of all of us has died with her.”

The founder of anti-cyberbullying charity Cybersmile, Scott Freeman, said: "Sadly, as in the example of Toni Connell's death, people need to realise that there is no respite from cyberbullying, it is 24/7. Unfortunately, like in Toni’s case, the intervention and safeguarding that is desperately needed does not always happen.

"It is so important for everyone to make sure that kids in their care are able to talk to them about these issues, and are made aware of help with advice and support.

"We would urge parents to let children know that disclosing problems will not result in phones and gadgets being taken away – this can further isolate victims and prevent open discussion.”

"We hope that through education and awareness of cyberbullying we can prevent such tragic loss in the future."

The Ockendon Academy's chair of governors, Rev Brian Duckworth, said: "We know that your children may be deeply affected by this sad news and we have offered support to all students in the school and there will be additional counselling available.

"If you have concerns about your child please let the school know so we can make support available for them next week.

"If your child needs to talk to someone over the weekend please be aware that the Childline telephone service is available on 0800 1111.

"Clearly we would like to express our thoughts and deepest sympathy to her family at this time."