‘It’s not okay’: A bullied boy shares his pain on social media
'IT'S HARD. BUT IT'LL PROBABLY GET BETTER ONE DAY.'
A video recorded by his mom in the family's car has changed Keaton Jones' life.
The Knoxville, Tennessee boy had a rough day at school and needed to be picked up early after he was bullied by fellow students about how he looks. They made fun of his nose and called him ugly.
Through his tears, Jones asks the question: Why do kids bully?
"Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It’s not okay," he says.
At the end of the video, Jones expresses some hope that things will get better for him.
"It's hard. But it'll probably get better one day."
Thousands of people have reached out to Keaton to reassure him it does get better, including sports stars and celebrities like Justin Bieber.
The heartbreaking video has gone viral, shared thousands of times on social media and seen by millions.
This is Keaton Jones, he lives in Knoxville and he has a little something to say about bullying.pic.twitter.com/coyQxFp33V
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) 9 December 2017
@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5
— Delanie walker (@delaniewalker82) 9 December 2017
We going to the middle school next Tuesday show young Man some love we will also TWITTER LIVE some of it so everyone can show there love and support #vols #StopBullying @cboystunna3 @BroadwayJay2 @JKShuttlesworth @smithtrey98
— Tyler Byrd (@D1fuzzymuffin17) 9 December 2017
So I got the chance to spend the day with my new best bud Keaton. It was unbelievable to get to know him and realize that we have a lot in common. This dude is very special and has changed my life forever. Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man pic.twitter.com/vMHVtnf2rC
— Jarrett Guarantano? (@BroadwayJay2) 11 December 2017
@Lakyn_Jones Hello, Keaton (via your sister)! You may have heard of my parents, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (#MLK) and #CorettaScottKing. I try to honor them and their legacies. I’m so sorry about the pain you’re experiencing because of bullying. You matter. I love you.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) 9 December 2017
Keaton, I know Tennesseans and people across our country join me in saying thank you for your courage. Bullying isn’t acceptable, especially in our schools. We’re all with you! #StandWithKeaton
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) 11 December 2017
Thank you #KeatonJones for sharing your story and bringing awareness to the serious problem of bullying in our schools. There is no place for that, and as Tennesseans, we must work together to prevent bullying and harassment of all our students.
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) 10 December 2017
Seeing my brother’s face all over the internet and people giving him support is the most amazing feeling in the world ??
— Lakyn ?? (@Lakyn_Jones) 9 December 2017
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