A North Georgia family looks for answers and seeks harsher punishment for bullies after their teenage son falls victim to "bullycide."

Seventeen year old Tyler Long took his own life October 17th after what his parents call years of escalating abuse.

Tina Long clings to her husband as she describes her son's suicide, "You can't imagine something like that happening..."

Tina & David are still reeling from the shock of losing Tyler...three weeks ago the honor student and ROTC member took his own life.

David found his oldest son that morning, "When I stepped into the room I saw him hanging there...and that image will never leave."

Tyler Long had Asperger's Syndrome, a form of mild autism that makes social interaction very difficult.

His parents say the 17 year old suffered daily harrassment and bullying from his peers at Murray Co. High School...

The Longs repeatedly took their concerns to the school, but say they were never adequately addressed.

In the days leading to Tyler's suicide the Long's say the bullying escalated.

Tina says, "He got to the point where he just shut up, because no body listened."

Murray County School officials expressed sympathies for the Long family tragedy but could not comment further.

The district cancelled a Friday meeting between the family and teachers saying it couldn't be productive and citing media coverage of Tyler's death.

Family therapist Dr. John Oldham says bullying is an increasing problem that's cripling for it's victims, "A lot of those that are bullied think that they're, they're the problem."

Oldham says 3 out of 4 students won't tell anyone they're being bullied.

He says the best way to fight it is with awareness... Tina & David agree.

They say they can't save their son, but perhaps they can save someone else.

David says, "What I can do for Tyler is I can make his voice heard...and I'll do it til the day I die."

The Longs have not ruled out legal action saying they want stronger bullying policies implemented & enforced in the schools.