The tragic case of Daan T., a 14-year-old from Waregem, who took his own life after persistent bullying, has sparked a significant legal debate in Belgium. Central to the discussion is the forwarding of a nude photo by a 16-year-old girl, which the Kortrijk juvenile court examined closely on 2025-05-16 16:48:00.
- Daan T. stierf na aanhoudende pesterijen
- Tienermeisje stuurde naaktfoto van Daan door
- Parket ziet geen verband met overlijden
- Ouders vragen symbolische euro schadevergoeding
- Advocaat meisje betwist directe verantwoordelijkheid
- Meisje volgt sensibiliseringscursus opgelegd door parket
While prosecutors see no direct link between the photo’s circulation and Daan’s death, his parents argue that this connection is the core issue of the trial. The family seeks only a symbolic one-euro compensation should the court find causality.
How do we balance accountability and the complexity of bullying’s impact? And what does this mean for young people and their online safety? The answers are unfolding in this sensitive case.
This case raises important questions about responsibility and the effects of online harassment. While the court focuses on the individual who forwarded the photo, broader bullying issues remain unaddressed. Key points include:
- The prosecutor denies a causal link between the photo forwarding and Daan’s suicide.
- Daan’s parents insist on proving this connection, requesting symbolic damages.
- The accused teen acknowledges forwarding the photo but rejects blame for the death.
- A sensitisation course is proposed to educate the young offender on the consequences of her actions.
As the verdict approaches on June 20, this case urges Belgium to reflect on how we protect vulnerable youths from online harm. Will this trial inspire better preventive measures and open conversations about mental health and digital responsibility?
