Heartbreaking Viral Video: Boy with Dwarfism Endures Bullying
Quaden, a 9-year-old with a condition causing dwarfism, was left in tears after bullying at his school. His mother captured his distress on video and shared it online. "Parents, educate your children—this is what bullying does," she urged in the video.
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- פורסם כ"ט שבט התש"פ
#VALUE!
The internet is reeling from a video shared by an Australian mother, showing her son in tears after being bullied at school. Nine-year-old Quaden Bayles, born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder leading to dwarfism, sobbed for minutes on end, expressing a desire to "stab himself in the heart" due to the abuse he endured. His mother posted the video on social media, appealing to parents worldwide to teach their children to accept differences. She never expected the video to go viral.
The mother uploaded the video last Tuesday after Quaden cried in their car at the end of his school day, repeatedly saying he wanted to end his life. It wasn't long before the video went viral on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, amassing over 40 million views. News outlets worldwide, including Sky News and Israeli news reports, covered the story, unable to ignore the plight of a 9-year-old with special needs who cannot protect himself from constant bullying.
Yarraka Bayles, Quaden's mother, who filmed the video moments after witnessing the bullying, stated, "This is what bullying does; it impacts our family. Parents, teachers, I want you to educate your children, your families, your friends," she urged. "My son just wants to go to school, learn, and have fun."
After the video went viral, Bayles spoke at a press conference, explaining that her son is bullied not only because of his disability but also due to his heritage. "We're losing too many people because of bullying, discrimination, and racism," she told the BBC.
Quaden's poignant video elicited responses worldwide, including from celebrities. American comedian Brad Williams launched a crowdfunding campaign to send Quaden and his family on a Disneyland trip, reportedly raising over $300,000 when the original goal was $10,000. Players from a local Queensland rugby team, which Quaden supports, walked with him onto the field during one of their games, met with the cheers of the crowd.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman also reached out to Quaden in a video message, saying, "Quaden, you're stronger than you know. No matter what, I'm your friend. Life is hard enough without people being hurtful. We all face challenges and struggles. Let’s be kind to each other. Bullying is not okay."
