'Bullied' schoolgirl, 11, took her own life being exposed to 'sexual and suicide content' on Discord, inquest told

Published: 13:34 EDT, 27 October 2026 | Updated: 13:35 EDT, 27 October 2026 An 11-year-old girl who took her own life after being bullied had accessed 'sexual' and 'suicide' content on an over-13s only social media platform, an inquest has heard. Schoolgirl Mia Christopher died shortly into the summer holidays last year after gaining access to Discord, an online platform intended for teenagers aged between 13-17. Mia's parents said they believed their daughter was the victim of a bullying campaign, after finding a note which read: ‘Mom I’m being bullied please leave a angel beside my gravestone.’The US-based platform allows video and text messaging and also provides access to other servers, chat rooms and voice channels. It bills itself as a safer social media environment for children than other platforms, claiming to block adult-themed content. But an inquest in Horsham, West Sussex, heard today that Mia had been exposed to inappropriate content on Discord, TikTok and had used Snapchat. Mia Christopher died shortly into the summer holidays last year, having accessed 'suicide' and 'sexual' content on online platform Discord The 11-year-old had also been subjected to a bullying campaign, her family said Mia's father, Hardev Sirah, watched the proceedings remotely via video link, as the court heard that a representative from Discord could be called to give evidence as part of the ongoing inquest into Mia's death. Georgina Colegate-Stone, representing Mr Sirah, said Mia had access to Discord, which has an over-13s only policy, and had been exposed to ‘sexual’ and ‘suicide content’ on the platform. Ms Colegate-Stone said the 11-year-old had also used the platform to make repeated comments about her intention to take her own life.Coroner Penelope Schofield said Discord could be named as an ‘interested party’ and a representative called to later give evidence in the proceedings.Representatives from the school and Sussex Police are also set to be called to give evidence, alongside experts from West Sussex County Council’s social services. The hearing was also told Mia had posted ‘inappropriate’ content on TikTok and had also used Snapchat. American-based platform Discord has an over-13s policy and is billed as a safer social media environment for children than other platforms Mia, who was a pupil at Southway Primary School in Bognor Regis, had just broken up for the summer holidays last year when she was found dead on July 20, 2025.Mia's mother paid tribute to her in a post online after her death, writing: ‘Mia was a talented, smart, funny girl with a smile that could never be missed.‘She was bubbly and stylish and was looking forward to high school, yet she did not get the chance to experience that. Mia committed suicide on the first day of holidays and our lives have been in devastation since police found a suicide note.‘This is what it read: "Mom I’m being bullied please leave a angel beside my gravestone."'It is understood Mia came from a big family and had four sisters who she was very close to.After her death, her sister Iesha also paid tribute to her and said: ‘We are heartbroken to share that our beloved sister Mia took her life at the young age of 11 due to bullying.‘Mia was a bright and bubbly student at Southway Primary school and we are devastated by her loss.‘This is a difficult post to write as those who knew Mia will remember her as a kind and joyful soul. We want to remember Mia not just as a sister or daughter but as a cherished friend and individual.'She added: ‘In Mia’s memory we urge everyone to take a stand against bullying and to prioritise childhood mental health. Every child deserves to feel safe valued and loved.’ The inquest continues. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support