A family from La Ràpita in Tarragona faced an unimaginable moment when their 15-year-old son Pol, who has a mild form of autism, was hospitalized following an incident at school last week. He reportedly jumped from a fourth-floor balcony and survived. The family says Pol has long struggled with acceptance at school, feeling mocked and isolated despite his intelligence and awareness of his surroundings.
Pol’s father, Josep Gual Rebull, shared a grim account of the injuries his son endured, stating that the boy fell from a height of about 14 meters and sustained broken arms, multiple leg injuries, two broken ribs, and two affected vertebrae. He noted that Pol has already undergone several surgeries. The father described the moment with stark honesty, recounting the pain and fear that accompanied the event and emphasizing that the family is living through their hardest days. He attached a photo from the hospital showing Pol in recovery. He also explained that Pol has some degree of autism and experiences difficulties forming relationships, yet remains perceptive and understands a great deal of what happens around him.
According to the father, before the incident Pol left a message expressing a wish not to live in a world where cruel behavior is rewarded and where kind-hearted people bear the consequences. The narrative highlights the heavy toll social cruelty can take on a young person who already faces social challenges. Josep Gual stressed that Pol was not a direct victim of abuse in a single moment, but described how teasing and hostile remarks accumulated over time. The boy reportedly faced ongoing jokes about his differences, with peers at school sometimes calling him a freak or ridiculing his actions. This pattern of taunting left him increasingly isolated on campus, in the library, and in other quiet spaces where he hoped to find peace. The father painted a vivid picture of a daily struggle, culminating in a moment when Pol decided that happiness had vanished from his school life.
Josep Gual added that his son is determined to recover and begin a new chapter in life. He hopes Pol can share his experiences publicly to help other adolescents recognize how negative attitudes can trigger such crises and to encourage greater empathy among peers. The father’s message serves not only as a record of Pol’s pain but as a plea for schools and communities to take bullying seriously and to create environments where young people feel safe, valued, and understood. The emphasis is on rebuilding belonging and supporting mental well-being through ongoing, collective effort.
A second case reported within a week involves a different tragedy in Sallent, Barcelona, where a twin sister sustained serious injuries after a related incident tied to bullying. The broader context shows that multiple factors can contribute to crises among minors, including psychological, biological, and social dimensions. Medical and mental health professionals stress that suicidality rarely stems from a single cause; it rises from a blend of factors that influence a young person’s state of mind over time. In response, hotlines and support services provide around-the-clock assistance for those in immediate danger or needing confidential guidance. The emphasis is on early intervention, ongoing counseling, and community support to reduce risk and promote resilience among young people and their families. The aim is to deliver timely help to both those showing suicidal behavior and their relatives who seek support, with a focus on reducing harm and restoring hope. At the same time, guidance stresses continued access to professional care and safe spaces where young people can express their feelings without fear of judgment.