He’s Just A Kid
Bullying has spread throughout the world and might be an epidemic we all need to cure. The world would be a better place without bullying. One of the most common reasons for bullying would be pouring out personal frustrations on another person. However, this would not be a valid reason to bully someone. In fact, there would be no good enough reason to pick on others. But still, people tend to forget this fact and bully others, anyway. However, one father was not going to let it continue to his little kid. He flashed a smile as he zipped his coat.
He’s Just A Kid
He Was Bullied
The child being bullied was Joey Mason. He enjoyed hanging out at the park as he played around with his ball. Joey was just one of many victims of bullying at school, but at least he could find happiness when playing at the park. his day was about to change…
He Was Bullied
His Favorite Spot
It began to seem like he was still going to get bullied at his favorite spot. A group of teenagers showed up at the place where he usually played. It was disappointing that most people do not know how to handle bullying, but something still had to be done.
His Favorite Spot
A Happy Day Turned Into a Nightmare
Joey Mason was currently in the fourth grade when he started getting bullied. Because of this, he preferred the company and enjoyed playing with his dog and cat. He resided in a residential community in Toronto, Canada. In his community, there was a refreshing park where kids could freely play outside. He always visited the park after school hours to play with his ball. One day things got a bit out of control.
A Happy Day Turned Into a Nightmare
The Boys
One time when school ended, his visit to the outdoor park turned out to be a nightmare for Joey. Obviously, the older boys were up to no good and planned to bully the child. This park was a safe space for Joey one place he felt he could play peacefully and be away from all the drama.
The Boys
I Am A Victim of Bullying
Joey Mason wanted an outlet for his sadness that came from being bullied. He wrote on social media, “My name is Joey and I’m 10 years old. I am a victim of bullying. It hurts me very much. Please, stop bullying.” A 10-year old felt compelled to write this on social media!
I Am A Victim of Bullying
Attraction
His message attracted a lot of attention from the netizens. Many people saw his message but were unnoticed by the person that mattered the most. His dad was unaware of his post and knew nothing about the fact that his son was being bullied.
Attraction
He Felt Uneasy And Alarmed
Each parent would only wish for what was the best for their children. It would be natural for a mother or a father to become worried when their kids felt sadness and pain. The father of Joey was just like the other parents. He noticed that his son seemed to be struggling daily and he felt uneasy and alarmed.
He Felt Uneasy And Alarmed
Talking About It
He decided to investigate what was causing these emotions from his son. He attempted to talk to his child, but he refused to speak about the matter. Joey shut himself off from his parents, his mood worsened but he would not budge when it came to talking about it.
Talking About It
Emotionally Despair
Joey Mason’s father picked up on the changes his son went through the moment he changed schools. He knew that his happy baby boy began to turn into an emotional wreck the moment he transferred. He could not help but wonder what caused it so that he could help. Maybe it was because of the school environment, the teachers, or maybe other students.
Emotionally Despair
Something’s Not Right
Every time his son came home from school, Joey’s father would see that his son came back crying. This was a sign that something was wrong. However, he did not have enough evidence that his son was being bullied. He decided to get to the bottom of the issue. Enough was enough!
Something’s Not Right
Delving Deep
Once he found out everything, he could not believe that it was happening. He did not care whether the solution he came up with was sneaky or underhanded. He knew he had to do something for his son and that action had to be taken.
Delving Deep
He Came Up With The Best Plan
He was incredibly worried about his son and he did not want his child to get sadder and sadder as days passed by. He could not take it any longer. Finally, he decided that he should take immediate action. However, he did not know how yet. He thought so long about what course of action he should take. And eventually, he came up with the best plan he could pull off.
He Came Up With The Best Plan
What Was The Cause Of Bullying?
Joey Mason’s father thought it all through and spent a lot of time making plans. Soon, he came to realize that his son might have been bullied by other people such as his classmates or it could even be one of his teachers. Their family life was doing okay so he was sure that the problem was not with the family.
What Was The Cause Of Bullying?
Following Him
He just was not yet sure how he could know the truth. He was riddled with concern at this point and beginning to feel helpless. It finally came to the point where he decided to secretly follow his son to the local park once school ended. And that was when everything came to light.
Following Him
His World Turned Upside Down
It was saddening that Joey’s time to play outdoors would turn upside down and might even become a nightmare for the child. This was because of the bullies. Joey was already busy playing with his ball and some teenagers came by and approached him. They were unaware that there was someone who was watching all of them closely.
He’s The Target
Whatever the reason was, there was a group of teenagers who decided to target Joey Mason that spring. This had been going on for weeks and it appeared that for all the times and places Joey went before and after school, this group of teens would be there to bully him.
He’s The Target
Strong & Brave
Fortunately, Joey was a strong and brave kid. He decided to ignore their name-calling. The fact he was able to do this epitomized his strength. However, the group did not leave him alone and they even stepped up their bullying game.
Strong Brave
Joey Was In Trouble
Joey Mason was a very innocent boy and he did not like troubling other people. This might be one of the reasons this group chose to target the kid. For the other people who were present, Joey was friends with the other guys because it looked like they knew him on a personal level.
Joey Was In Trouble
Someone’s Watching
Joey was afraid of defending himself at school. The other students who know about the bullying were too afraid to step up while the teachers did not know that bullying was already taking place. Most teachers think that these were just kids acting like kids and were probably just fooling around. They were wrong…
Someone’s Watching
An Onlooker
He was already being bullied in school, but even now at the park, this group of awful teens pushed him into the corner. Thankfully, someone else at the park was watching the whole scene. Hopefully, the person would help Joey out of this mess.
An Onlooker
It Escalated Quickly
The group of teenagers was having fun as they stole the ball from Joey and had no intention of giving it back. However, things might escalate quickly when no one stepped up to intervene. Unfortunately, though, things only looked normal to outsiders because it only seemed that the kids were playing.
It Escalated Quickly
With Intent
But even though they seemed friendly on the outside, the true nature of these teenagers was that of sheep in wolf’s clothing. They had other intentions, intentions that should have been noticed before now too. What happened next is simply unfair for any kid to have to go through…
With Intent
It’s Not Getting Any Good
There was someone in the group who teased, “Hey kid, a nice ball you got there. Can I see it?” And before Joey could respond in any way, the teenager already kicked the ball away from him. Joey tried to protest and yelled, “It’s mine!”
It’s Not Getting Any Good
They Continued On
But the teenager continued with his bullying and replied, “Come on, just give it to me, man. It’s just a ball.” As all of this was happening, the group of kids was unaware that they were being watched.
They Continued On
It’s Time To Step Up
The man watched the interaction happening between Jason and the other teens intently. He remained hidden from their sight and as the teasing from the teenager increased, he moved his attention to the four boys. The older teenager kicked the ball away from Joey to the other side.
It’s Time To Step Up
The Man Gets Involved
At this point, the man finally decided that it was time to step up. The naughty teens did not know that this was Joey’s father. he had finally been in the right place at the right time and he was ready to step in.
The Man Gets Involved
A Man Approached The Boys
In a scolding tone, Joey’s father asked the group of teens, “Gentlemen, what exactly do you think you are doing?” Joey tried to get the ball back the moment the group turned speechless as they did not know how to respond. However, just a few seconds later, they had gotten bold and tried to fleece the father.
A Man Approached The Boys
“Just Playing Ball, Sir”
The teenagers acted innocent and responded with, “Just playing ball, sir.” They were hoping that the man who approached them would just leave them be. However, the man did not buy what they said. What the man said next were also the exact words we would want to hear when putting in the same shoes as Joey’s.
“Just Playing Ball, Sir”
Interrogation
The man asked the teens, “Why are you picking on a little kid?” And when the group of teenagers remained silent, he continued, “Don’t you think your parents would love this? You guys getting arrested for picking on a little kid?” Finally, one of the teens whispered, “No.” The man continued with his interrogation.
Interrogation
It Did Not End Here
In an angry voice, the man asked, “Why didn’t you guys stop him? You guys wanna be part of this?” He was mad but also happy that he was there to help his son get out of the situation. He faced Joey and checked his condition, whether he was fine or not.
It Did Not End Here
Payback
He also gave him back the ball. He then turned to the group of teenagers and told them to find another area and to leave the child alone. Someone was finally sticking up for Joey. The story did not end here, though.
Payback
Give Them What They Deserve
Just a couple of days after the incident at the park, Joey’s father started to walk his son to school. The duo had hatched a plan together. They decided to walk by the area where the bullies waited for Joey. He was ready to give them what they deserved and wanted to ensure that they would never turn to bully again.
Give Them What They Deserve
As Expected
The first part of their plan is to let Joey walk ahead while his dad waited. And as they had expected, the group of bullies was waiting for Joey near the usual street corner. Once Joey passed by, they immediately recognized the kid and they started calling him names. However, this time, the father of Joey was prepared. He walked to them and yelled, “Hey!” to get their attention. He grinned as he opened his coat.
As Expected
Frighten The Bullies
The group of teens was stunned when they saw the white uniform underneath his coat. Once they saw the white uniform, they scrambled. Joey’s father yelled, “I thought so!” as the teens ran away. He tightened the black belt to his waist as he grinned. He was satisfied with how things turned out. He recently found his old Judo uniform and decided to wear it underneath his coat to frighten the bullies.
Frighten The Bullies
Taking A Stand
Many celebrities had spoken up and showed support to those who had been bullied just like Joey. No one would want to encounter bullying which was the main reason why many people had taken a stand for the issue. The story of Joey Mason had similarities with the Anti Bullying movements.
Taking A Stand
Keaton’s Heartbreaking Message
There was a video that had gone viral last December 2017. It was from a young boy called Keaton Jones. In his video, he tearfully narrated about his experiences with being bullied. The video received a lot of comments and reactions. It even managed to spark a national conversation related to bullying. These events also encouraged Bandeira to conduct his very own social experiment to face the issue of bullying.
Keaton’s Heartbreaking Message
Support For Keaton
Many public figures posted on Twitter to show their support for Keaton Jones. The video went viral to the point that famous people joined in. In fact, most heart-warming messages came from celebrities. Chris Evans was most famous for his role as Captain America and he went so far as to put a huge display of his support to Keaton and his family. He urged the young kid to stay strong and even invited him to the new Avengers movie premiere. Chris Evans was not the only one who showed support.
Support For Keaton
Delanie Walker
Various NFL players stood by Keaton’s side they knew how much he loved the sport and Delanie Walker decided to go the extra mile for him. Walker took to Instagram and posted a video where he expressed his opinion on bullying. He 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 an offer…
Delanie Walker
The NFL
Walker said, “Myself and the Tennessee Titans would love to have you if you can come to a game.” Keaton invited him to the Week 17 game against the Jaguars. He and his family were given tickets. He even got to meet some of his favorite players.
The NFL
Justin Bieber
The video was viewed more than 15 million times. Justin Bieber even posted two back to back videos to Keaton. Bieber said, “Keaton, you’re a damn beast. You’re a boss.” The star wanted to motivate and encourage him.
Justin Bieber
Are You Willing To Support?
How about you? Would you be willing to show support for those who had been bullied? Would you be able to stand with them to help them cope up with their situation? What would you have done if you faced the same type of situation as Joey Mason and Keaton Jones?
Are You Willing To Support?
Bullying Is Not Right
Bullying should never be justified. It would always be wrong, and no one deserved to be bullied. No one should ever experience it. No one should negatively impact other people and go so far as to make others miserable.
Bullying Is Not Right
Awareness And Response To Bullying
These examples had shown us that bullying would always be wrong. One of the ways to make the perpetrators realize their mistake would be to ask them what they would feel and do if they were the ones being bullied. This could be one step closer to our goal to eradicate bullying in modern society.
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. Many students had experienced bullying both in real life and online. Most of them had even considered self-harm to cope up with the bullying.
Increased In Cyber Bullying
Be Kind To Others, Save A Life
We might be able to save someone simply by being kind to others and not turning a blind eye when we noticed someone being bullied. And please keep in mind the golden rule: don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you. This rule could be applied to bullying as well.
Be Kind To Others, Save A Life