He’s Just A Kid
Bullies target people for being different. And after that, they ‘re going to exploit those flaws. They often choose their potential victims, which they think are reluctant to fight back. It means that the typical ridiculous targets are kids who are overweight, wear glasses, or have obvious physical flaws, such as big ears or severe acne. However, the differences do not need to be purely physical. The bullies may even target children who are learning at a slower pace, anxious or insecure. And sometimes they just want to take their frustrations out on someone else. This would not, nonetheless, be a good reason to intimidate anyone. For all those who are still harassing others, there’d be no justification left. And yet, people often forget about that and, instead, harass others still. One father, though, was not going to let this go on to his little boy. As he zipped his coat, he flashed a smile.
He’s Just A Kid
He Was Bullied
Joey Mason was the boy who was mistreated. He loved hanging out in the park and playing around the public garden with his ball. Moreover, Joey was one of the many victims of bullying in school, and yet when he got to play in the park, he at least could find some happiness. And his day was just about to change…
He Was Bullied
His Favorite Spot
Even in his favorite spot, it seemed as though he would still get humiliated. At the spot where he used to play, there’s been a bunch of teenagers turning up. It was, to say the least, very upsetting that most people did not know how to deal with abusive behavior, regardless of how they still had to do something about it.
His Favorite Spot
A Happy Day Turned Into Nightmare
When he was in fourth grade, Joey Mason was constantly getting ridiculed. He enjoyed playing with his cat and dog, and he even liked their company for this particular reason. He settled down in a residential community in Toronto, Canada. His neighborhood had a relaxing park, where children could play comfortably close to nature. After school hours, he always went to visit the park and started to play with his ball. Sooner or later, things got way out of hand.
A Happy Day Turned Into Nightmare
The Boys
His visit to the outdoor park, one time after the school had ended, turned out to be a horror show for Joey. The older boys were pretty much up to no good, and we’re planning to humiliate the child publicly. For Joey, this park was the only place where he felt that he could play peacefully and be far from all the drama in which he’s involved.
The Boys
I Am A Victim of Bullying
Because of his sadness that came out from being mistreated in school, Joey Mason just wanted a place where he can enjoy his time alone. He decided to share his feelings on this matter in social media, saying, “My name is Joey, and I’m ten years old. I am a victim of bullying. It hurts me very much. Please, stop bullying.” I mean, think about it, a ten-year-old being driven to post this on the internet!
I Am A Victim of Bullying
Attraction
People on the internet have been heavily invested in his posts on social media. Several others saw his post, but the person who mattered most was not aware of this at all. His dad was completely ignorant of his post and had no idea of the abusive behavior of his classmates against him.
Attraction
He Felt Uneasy And Alarmed
A parent can only wish to their children what would be best for them. It would also be natural for a mother or father to make a fuss when their children started feeling sadness and pain. Joey’s dad was exactly like all the other mothers and fathers. He began to realize that every day his son did seem a bit anxious, and he felt uneasy and alarmed as well.
He Felt Uneasy And Alarmed
Talking About It
So then, he decided to look into what caused his son to feel these negative emotions. He tried to communicate with his kid, but then he curtly declined to discuss the issue. Joey shut himself off from his parents; his mood got negatively impacted; however, when it came to talking about it with him, he wouldn’t admit anything.
Talking About It
Emotionally Despair
The father of Joey Mason managed to pick up on the changes his son was going through the moment he switched schools. He was quick to notice that as soon as he was transferred, his cheerful baby boy started turning into an emotional wreck. He could not help but think about what caused it so that he could make the situation better. Well, perhaps it was because of the school environment, the teachers, or maybe the other students.
Emotionally Despair
Something’s Not Right
Joey’s father would see his son coming home in tears, every time his son came from school. It was an indication that something was completely off the mark. He didn’t have substantial proof, if anything, that his son has been oppressed. He decided to get through the root cause of the problem. This was the last straw!
Something’s Not Right
Delving Deep
He couldn’t imagine what had happened even after he found all of this out. He didn’t seem to care if the solution he was coming up with was cunning or deceitful. He genuinely thought he needed to do more for his son and that they had to take immediate action.
Delving Deep
He Came Up With The Best Plan
He was extremely concerned about his son, and as days passed, he didn’t want to see his child get sadder and sadder. He couldn’t take it any longer. And at last, he decided that immediate action should be taken. He still did not know-how, though. For so long, he had been thinking as to what course of action he should take. And in the end, he comes up with the perfect plan that he could pull off.
He Came Up With The Best Plan
What Was The Cause Of Bullying?
The father of Joey Mason thought it all through and put in a lot of time planning. He came to realize that someone other than his classmates may very well have targeted his child, or that instead, it might even be one of his educators. Their life at home was doing well, so he was sure their family wasn’t causing the problem.
What Was The Cause Of Bullying?
Following Him
He just didn’t know how he could know the whole truth yet. During this time, he had been overwhelmed with worry and starting to feel completely powerless. It eventually reached the point where he decided to secretly follow his son to the local park once the school had ended. And that was when all of it began to surface.
Following Him
His World Turned Upside Down
It was heartbreaking that the time Joey spent playing outside would turn upside down and possibly even become a nightmare for the child. And it was all because of the bullies. Before some teenage boys stopped by and approached him, Joey had already had a great time playing his ball. They didn’t know that someone had been watching all of them closely.
He’s The Target
As to whatever the possible explanation was, a group of young men decided that spring to aim for Joey Mason. This may have been going on for weeks, and it looked like this group of teens would be around to try to intimidate Joey for all times and places before and after school.
He’s The Target
Strong & Brave
Thank goodness, Joey was a strong and courageous child. He chose to disregard their insulting remarks. His emotional strength was highlighted by the fact that he could do so. The group did not leave him unscathed, as a matter of fact, and they even stepped up their aggressive game.
Strong & Brave
Joey Was In Trouble
Furthermore, Joey Mason was a very innocent child, and he didn’t want to upset anyone at all. That might be one of the main factors that this group decided to target the boy. Joey seems to have been acquainted with the other guys, because it looked like they knew him on a personal level, from the others who were there as well.
Joey Was In Trouble
Someone’s Watching
Joey was still unable to protect himself at school. The other students who knew about the bullying were too scared to talk while the teachers didn’t seem to know that the bullying had already happened. Hence why so many teachers believe these were children behaving like children and were probably just messing around. Well, they were wrong…
Someone’s Watching
An Onlooker
He was already being picked on at school, but this group of terrible teenagers at the park still pushed him into the corner even after all that. Fortunately, someone else witnessed the whole thing at the park. Let’s hope that the person would help Joey out of this horror show.
An Onlooker
It Escalated Quickly
The group of young men was having fun as they snatched Joey’s ball and had no intention of returning it. With that being said, things could escalate quickly if no one stepped up to take action. Sad to say, even then, it looked fine to the spectators because those children just seemed to be having fun playing with the ball.
It Escalated Quickly
With Intent
Yet while they looked sweet and polite on the surface, the true character of those teens was that of sheep in wolf’s clothing. They had other agendas, real reasons that were supposed to be recognized a long time ago. What happened next is cruel to just about every kid who had to go through the same thing …
With Intent
It’s Not Getting Any Good
Someone in the group taunted him saying, “Hey kid, a nice ball you got there. Can I see it?” And the boy had already kicked the ball away from Joey before he could react in any way. Joey was trying to protest, constantly screaming, “It’s mine!”
It’s Not Getting Any Good
They Continued On
However, the teenager kept going with his inappropriate behavior and responded, “Come on, just give it to me, man. It’s just a ball.” The group of teens didn’t know that they were being watched as all this took place.
They Continued On
It’s Time To Step Up
The man looked intently at the interaction between Jason as well as the other teenagers. He stayed hidden from their visual range, and as the mocking of the teenager increased, he makes his way to the four boys. The older teen kicked the ball to the other side away from Joey.
It’s Time To Step Up
The Man Gets Involved
The man finally decided at this exact moment that it was time to take action. The rude teens didn’t know that this was Joey ‘s dad. He was at last in the right place at the right time, and that he was ready to step in.
The Man Gets Involved
A Man Approached The Boys
Joey’s father asked the group of young men in a reprimanding tone, “Gentlemen, what exactly do you think you are doing?” The moment the group turned they were lost for words, Joey tried to get the ball back as they didn’t know how to react. A few seconds later, however, they had already become brazen and were attempting to deceive the father.
A Man Approached The Boys
“Just Playing Ball, Sir”
The teenagers started acting innocently and replied, “Just playing ball, sir.” They were secretly wishing that the man who was confronting them would just leave them already. Even then, the man did not believe what they had told him. What the man said next was also the exact words we all would like to hear if we are in the same situation as Joey’s.
“Just Playing Ball, Sir”
Interrogation
The man proceeded to ask the boys, “Why are you picking on a little kid?” But when the group of young men stayed silent, he went on and said, “Don’t you think your parents would love this? You guys getting arrested for picking on a little kid?” One of the teens eventually muttered, “No.” The man decided to keep on with his interrogation.
Interrogation
It Did Not End Here
The man said in an accusatory tone, “Why didn’t you guys stop him? You guys wanna be part of this?” He was furious, but he was also pleased to hear that he was there to help his son get out of the crisis. He confronted Joey and checked his current situation, whether or not he was okay.
It Did Not End Here
Payback
He gave him the ball back as well. And from there, he turned to the group of young men and told them to find a different place to play and leave his child alone. Finally, someone decided to stand up for Joey. Yet the story didn’t end there.
Payback
Give Them What They Deserve
Only a few days after the incident in the public garden, the father of Joey began to go to school with his son. A plan has been drawn up by the pair. The trouble makers were waiting for Joey to take a stroll outside. He was prepared to give them what they surely deserve and to make them never again turn to harassment.
Give Them What They Deserve
As Expected
The first part of their plan is letting Joey walk ahead while his father was waiting in the corner. And thus, the group of bullies stood there waiting for Joey near the usual street corner, as they had anticipated. They recognized the kid straight away after Joey walked by, and began calling him hurtful things. And Joey ‘s father had been prepared this time. He went up to them and yelled, “Hey!” to catch their attention. He smiled and then proceeded to open his coat.
As Expected
Frighten The Bullies
The young men were genuinely shocked to see the white uniform beneath his coat. They quickly ran after they saw the white uniform. Joey ‘s dad yelled, “I thought so!” As the teens managed to flee. He tied the black belt to his waist as he smiled broadly. He was pleased with the way things turned out to be. He noticed his old Judo uniform a while ago and decided to wear it under his coat to scare off the bullies.
Frighten The Bullies
Taking A Stand
Several other people had stood up and shown compassion, just like Joey’s father to those who were physically, verbally, and emotionally abused. Why would anyone want to experience bullying? It was the number one reason that a lot of people took legal action for the ongoing problem. Joey Mason ‘s story was similar to Anti Bullying campaigns.
Taking A Stand
Keaton’s Heartbreaking Message
In December 2017, there was a recording that went viral on social media. And it was from a young boy named Keaton Jones. In his post, he was tearfully telling the story of his personal experience of being bullied. A lot of comments and responses were received in the video. This even succeeded in stirring up a public debate about bullying. All these movements greatly influenced Bandeira to carry out her social experiment to address the issue regarding bullying.
Keaton’s Heartbreaking Message
Support For Keaton
There were certainly a lot of media personalities posting on Twitter showing support for Keaton Jones. The short clip went viral on many social media platforms to the extent that prominent celebrities decided to join in. Most of the heart-warming messages have come from media personalities. Chris Evans was probably best known as Captain America, and he went as far as to give Keaton and his family a huge display of his support. He encouraged the young kid to continue believing in himself and even invited him to the premiere of the new Avengers film. It wasn’t only Chris Evans, who expressed their support.
Support For Keaton
Delanie Walker
Many NFL players were standing by Keaton ‘s side, they noticed how much he like the sport, so Delanie Walker wanted to go the extra mile for him. Walker took to Instagram and uploaded a video in which he voiced his personal view on bullying. He went on and said, “Sorry, that bullying has been taking place at your school. Hopefully, this video and all the tweets that are being put out there make awareness to stop bullying.” He had a proposal…
Delanie Walker
The NFL
Walker further said, “Myself and the Tennessee Titans would love to have you if you can come to a game.” Keaton asked for him to join him and play against the Jaguars in the Week 17 game. Tickets were given to him and his loved ones. He even met with a few of his favorite players.
The NFL
Justin Bieber
The video has been seen for over 15 million times. Justin Bieber has even shared Keaton’s two videos back to back. Bieber even said, “Keaton, you’re a damn beast. You’re a boss.” The pop singer wants to inspire him and get him motivated.
Justin Bieber
Are You Willing To Support?
How has it been for you? Would you be brave enough to show your support for those that have been bullied? Can you stand by them to make them more comfortable with their state of mind? What would you do if you have come face to face with the same kind of scenarios like Joey Mason and Keaton Jones?
Are You Willing To Support?
Bullying Is Not Right
Bullying would never be morally acceptable. It would always be flawed, and there was nobody that truly deserve to be intimidated. None of us should be experiencing that kind of treatment. No one should affect other people negatively and go as far as making others suffer. Every child should not be faced with the choice of killing themselves or running away and hiding from the life they should be living. Six, seven, and even eight-year-olds should not be afraid to go to school because of certain kids, and they should certainly not be worrying about suicidal thoughts.
Bullying Is Not Right
Awareness And Response To Bullying
These instances have proved that bullying is always wrong. Safety should be a concern for everyone. One way to make the offenders recognize their mistake is to ask them what they will feel and do if they are harassed. In modern-day society, this might be a great stepping stone to our desire to stop bullying. The best way to help your child cope with bullying is by helping him, or she gain back a sense of dignity and restore their damaged self-esteem.
Awareness And Response To Bullying
Increased In Cyber Bullying
Social media helped us to get closer and connect faster, but it has also made online bullying immensely easier. Cyberbullying is one example of how it influences toxic social media users that email, write, or retweet derogatory, damaging, misleading, or mean content about someone else. It may include revealing personal data about someone else, causing problems for the individual. A few of online bullying goes overboard and can become illegal or criminal behavior. There were a lot of students who had been bullied, both in real-life situations and online. Lots of people even considered themselves to harm themselves to cope with bullying.
Increased In Cyber Bullying
Be Kind To Others, Save A Life
We could save someone just by being good to them and not turning a blind eye when we saw someone being mistreated. While not all bullying is related to family problems, it is a good idea to investigate your child’s behavior and personal interactions at home. It might seem like harmless teasing at home may, but it can be a form of harassment. Home ought to be a haven where children are not subjected to angry, scathing words from family and friends. So please keep the golden rule in mind: don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you. We could also apply the same principle to bullying.
Be Kind To Others, Save A Life