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Why the tragic story of this 11-year-old has prompted Hollywood to rally behind him.

“They make fun of my nose, they call me ugly, they say I have no friends. The poured milk on me and put ham down my clothes – people that are different don’t deserve to be criticised about it. It’s not their fault.” 

“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully, what’s the point of it? Why do they enjoy taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them. It’s not OK. If you are made fun of, don’t let it bother you. It sucks, it’s hard, but it’ll probably get better one day.”

These were the compassionate words young Keaton Jones choked out through tears in a video taken by his mother Kimberley, after she was called to pick up her son from school. He was too scared to be out in the playground at lunch time for fear he would be targeted by bullies.

The video, which at the time of writing has been shared over 400,000 times, is truly heartbreaking.

“My kids are by no stretch perfect, and at home he’s as all boy as they come, but by all accounts he’s good at school. Talk to your kids. We all know how it feels to want to belong, but only a select few know how it really feels not to belong anywhere,” Kimberley wrote alongside her son’s plea.

Sadly, children, and adults even, are bullied everyday. But something about Keaton and his concern for other kids suffering at the hands of bullying struck a chord with the world, including some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

From The Avengers stars, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo, to the likes of Demi Lovato, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria, thousands of people have sent messages of support Keaton through the viral hashtag, #StandwithKeaton.

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Closer to home, Australian children’s charity, The Alannah & Madeline Foundation released a short statement, urging parents to make sure we teach our children to be kind to one another.

Keaton’s sister, Lakyn has responded to the overwhelming amount of support for Keaton, saying he’s doing well.

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Knowing he’s not alone will no doubt help give Keaton the strength to continue being the kindhearted, strong young boy he is. But we owe it to every child out there who is eating lunch alone, too afraid to be themselves or trawling through negative comments about themselves online, to draw a hard line in the sand when it comes to bullying.

As Keaton put it, “It’s not OK”.

If you or your child are being bullied, please seek professional help and contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

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