Suicide teen's mother takes on Rockstar over Bully

[Alpine]

THE MOTHER of a teenage girl driven through bullying to commit suicide has started a online petition requesting that Rockstar's upcoming bullying game be shelved.

Bully is billed as a game allowing players to play as a "troublesome schoolboy" who, "stands up to bullies, gets picked on by teachers, plays pranks on malicious kids, wins or loses the girl, and ultimately learns to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school."

Rochelle Sides, became the Director of Bully Police Texas - her local breanch of a bullying watchdog - following the death of daughter Corinne. In an open letter to Sam Houser, President of Rockstar Games she writes: "As a parent of child lost to bullycide, as a grandparent, I implore you to reconsider the release of this game".

So far the petition has collected just under 400 signatures and may spell more bad news for Rockstar which is already fighting a running battle with Miami lawyer and game critic Jack Thompson over the game. Still, the company likes a bit of controversy as it helps sell its games.

The INQuirer