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15-Year-Old Boy's Suicide Prompts Parents To Wage Anti-Bullying Campaign

LA CRESCENTA (CBS) — A mother and father have come out with a warning for other parents after their teenage son jumped to his death in front of fellow classmates.

Drew Ferraro, 15, jumped off a three-story building in the crowded quad of Crescenta Valley High School while students were outside for lunch.

After reading his journal, Drew's parents believe bullying may be to blame.

The Glendale Unified School District has insisted that Drew's suicide was not triggered by bullying.

Crescenta Valley HS
(credit: CBS)

Deana and John Ferraro maintain that their son had been bullied for the last nine months of his life. Various boys and girls allegedly picked on their son.

"There was name-calling, pushing down the hall, pulling his backpack, punching him in the back...," Deana said.

These were all things Drew's parents weren't aware of until after his death.

The parents have chosen to speak out to try and raise other parents' awareness of bullying at school.

The Ferraro's said teacher, parents and students need to get involved.

"If somebody looks upset, hand them a tissue, pat them on the back it makes a difference," Deana said. "Teenagers -- children – don't realize the impact of their words. Words scar and they hurt."

Drew had four letters on him the day he killed himself. The most powerful was to his mother, where he said he was finally happy.

"Had he told me what was going on, I would have taken him out of school," Deana said.

Those types of scenarios haunt the Ferraro's but they want to move forward so Drew's death can help others. They're planning a fundraiser next month to start an anti-bullying foundation in Drew's name.

» RELATED: Friends Say Boy Who Committed Suicide At Crescenta Valley High School Was Bullied

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