A Father's Heartfelt Post Stirs Conversations About Bullying

Bullying is a deeply troubling phenomenon, and when it occurs among young children or those who can't really change their situation, it becomes even more painful and harmful. So, when Jackson Bezant, a 7-year-old, complained to his father Dan that he was 'a monster that shouldn’t live,' Dan took it to heart and decided to write a particularly moving post on his Facebook page.

Alongside a picture of the two of them together, Dan shares the touching story of 7-year-old Jackson, who was born with a rare condition called Treacher Collins syndrome, which affects the development of his facial bones. "When he was born, we were clear that we would accept him and give him the best love and attention possible, and we expected the society around him to respond in kind," says Dan.

No Child Deserves to Be Alone or Without Friends

However, in reality, from early on in his life, little Jackson started to suffer from bullying in kindergarten and school. "He can't even eat breakfast at school without older boys harassing him, calling him 'weird' or 'monster.' But unfortunately, it's not just among kids. Once, we heard a woman passing by say, 'Did you see the little kid of that guy?'"

"I am writing this post after visiting my son at the school cafeteria, where I heard those bullies calling him 'monster' and hurling at him awful names I can't even put into words," wrote the heartbroken father.

"My heart is shattered right now, and I feel as if my soul is being torn from within me. It hurts me that my beautiful child has to face a barrage of comments and name-calling every day from ignorance I have never witnessed before. He is not even eight years old yet and already thinks he is not worthy of a life that 'a monster' like him might be better off not living. He says he has no friends and that everyone hates him, that kids throw stones at him and push him, shouting those terrible words."

At this point, Dan calls on all parents everywhere to take their children and explain to them about kids who are slightly different from them. "He has been through a horrific surgery, and more surgeries await him in the coming years. No child should endure such a life, and no child deserves to be alone and without friends just because they were born a bit different. Please share this post and ensure your children are not bullies and do not look down on children who look different from them. Talk to them about compassion and love for others, tell them about children with special needs and their struggles. As adults, we have the power to change the world of the kids and make it better than it is today. If we teach children by example about respecting others, kindness, and acceptance, they will grow up to be such adults."