Yarraka Bayles felt that this was the only way to truly show people how bullying can affect a young person.
It is every parent's worst nightmare to discover that their child is being bullied. School is supposed to be a safe place for all children and yet for many young people it is a place that represents fear, due to bullying. One mum took to social media to share her heartbreak having discovered that her nine year old son had been bullied yet again.
The video, which has gone viral, is very difficult to watch. Nine year old Quaden Bayles is hysterical as he recounts yet another day of relentless bullying due to his dwarfism. The most devastating part of the video is the references to suicide. Bullies have pushed Quaden Bayles over the edge and it is gut wrenching to see him plead so desperately for an escape from the reality of being bullied.
The video has been viewed millions of times by people from every corner of the world. Messages of support have poured in and people are heartbroken and outraged that this level of bullying can happen so chronically. Heartfelt words of encouragement and love came from Denmark, New Zealand and Thailand to name just a few. One person said
"oh my goodness.. I didn't know my heart could break over and over in nano seconds. I am so glad your son has you as his mother"
Some people felt that videoing such a vulnerable and raw moment was inappropriate and that this nine year old boy needed hugs and reassurance right now but Yarraka Bayles felt that this was the only way to truly show people how bullying can affect a young person. Thoughout the video Yarraka can be heard saying
"This is what bullying does. So can you please educate your children, your families, your friends"
She goes on to say that it just takes one more incident to push a child over the edge and we wonder why so many young people are taking their own lives.
Yarraka also expresses her frustration at the advice that some people offer a person who is being bullied. She urges people to speak up about it and address it because
"how does that address bullying if you choose to ignore it? It needs to be addressed straight away and that's exactly what I'm doing now"
Yarraka's video has gained global attention and a number of celebrities and sports stars such as the NRL Indigenous All Stars have reached out to Quaden in a bid to support him and help put an end to the bullying.
