VAN NUYS, Calif. – A 10-year-old Santa Ana student is believed to have taken her own life over the weekend.

The police are investigating her death, and looking into rumors that bullying may have been a factor.

The Garden Grove Unified School District issued the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our students. Crisis counselors continue to support the school to ensure students and staff have emotional support during this very difficult time. Santa Ana police have informed us that they are assessing any and all factors that may have contributed to this tragedy. While the media has reported rumors of bullying, the Santa Ana Police Department has not yet concluded its investigation to determine what might have contributed to this action."

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Over 41 percent of female seventh graders and 36 percent of male seventh graders reported experiencing bullying or harassment, according to Kidsdata. Local hotlines provide a safe space for students to report bullying, and find help.

Karyna Gonzalez is one of the mental health counselors who answers calls 24 hours a day for the Caring For Kids. The program's bullying help hotline is a free service for parents and students provided by the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center. They speak with kids in all counties across Southern California who are struggling with bullying. There is no age limit.

“We have kids from 6 years old to high school kids, 17 or 18 years old,” said Gonzalez.

Calls come from students who feel alone, who don’t know who to tell, or want support. There is one question Gonzalez hears the most.

“The question that is always asked of me when kids call the hotline is ‘Why me,’” Gonzalez said. “Kids think that there is something wrong with them, there is a reason why they are being bullied and they want to know what that X factor is. Why is it that I was chosen? They feel like there is something less than in them.”

Bullying of course isn’t a new problem. It has happened throughout generations, but kids are telling Gonzalez that social media makes it a 24 hour problem.

“We know now that kids because of social media and interactions on the internet that kids continue to re-traumatize while they are at home. So there is no break,” Gonzalez said.

Counselors do leave their desks and go out to the schools, to help students and parents work together to tackle the problem. They also conduct trainings for different community groups, as counselors like Gonzalez believe school districts, parents, and community groups all need to help combat the issue.

The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center has 45 programs serving people of all ages. It serves about 15,000 individuals and families each year, offering mental health and substance use services to people regardless of their ability to pay.

Students and parents can call the Be A Hero Hotline at 1-866-Be-A-Hero.