Tragedy Strikes Mahdia: 15‑Year‑Old Student Sets Himself on Fire
Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Location: Mahdia, Tunisia – Hebira delegation secondary institute
What happened
A 15‑year‑old boy enrolled in the first year of secondary school at an institute in the Hebira delegation self‑immolated on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. According to Habib Malik, secretary‑general of the Hebira Secondary Teachers’ Union, the teenager doused himself with a flammable liquid and then threw himself into a sandbox.
“The adolescent suffered from autism spectrum disorder and had been the target of bullying, both inside the school and on the street,” Malik told Diwan in a formal statement.
Despite being rushed to a specialized burn unit, the boy did not survive.
Why this matters
- Bullying & mental health: The incident highlights the deadly consequences of harassment for vulnerable youths, especially those with neuro‑developmental conditions.
- Social‑media amplification: Online platforms can intensify the pressure on teenagers, turning personal pain into public tragedy.
- Call to action: Local authorities, NGOs, and community groups are urging heightened vigilance and stronger protective measures for at‑risk students.
Reactions
- Education officials are reviewing anti‑bullying policies and mental‑health support services in schools across the Hebira region.
- Child‑rights organizations are demanding immediate implementation of safe‑space programs and crisis‑intervention hotlines.
- Parents are being asked to stay alert for signs of distress and to report any form of intimidation promptly.
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Keywords: Mahdia tragedy, teen self‑immolation, bullying, autism spectrum disorder, Tunisia education, Hebira secondary school, social media impact, youth mental health, burn unit, child protection.
