'It was my son's call to action': Parents push to end bullying after son's death
The parents of an Adel High School freshman who died by suicide say they are on a mission to stop bullying.
Lindsey and Dale Peterson spoke with vlog shortly before their son's visitation service on Wednesday. Caelen Peterson, 14, died on Feb. 8.
"He had left us a note. I didn't even read it. I just read the first words and it said 'forgive me' and I went screaming through the house," said Lindsey Peterson.
The Petersons say their son never wanted to go to school, but he never told them why. They are now hearing from his friends and fellow students about relentless bullying.
Dozens of people showed up to the ADM school board meeting this week to share similar stories of bullying. They say it is a deep-rooted problem in the school district. The Petersons are now calling for a no-tolerance bullying policy.
"There are good teachers in that school. A lot of them, but if their hands are being tied then eventually, they are going to give up too," said Dale Peterson.
The Petersons say their son left them a note asking them to 'not give up'. They vow to carry out Caelen's final wish.
"We are going to find a way one way or another to help these kids. To stand up for them. Give them a voice. Let them know they are loved. They are important, and we need them for tomorrow," said Dale Peterson.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can .