Astonishing reaction to bullied boy’s heartbreak

A viral video showing the distress of a young Brisbane boy over relentless attacks from bullies has culminated in an extraordinary show of support.

A VIDEO of a distraught Brisbane boy telling his Mum he wants to die after being bullied at school has touched hearts around the world.

American comedian Brad Williams has raised more than US$60,000 for nine-year-old Quaden Bayles via a GoFundMe campaign after being moved by the video.

Bully victim Quaden Bayles to be given centre stage by Indigenous All Stars

Quaden’s Mum Yarraka posted the video on social media this week after a bullying episode at her son’s school.

Quaden has achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism.

“Can you please educate your children, your families, your friends,” Ms Bayles pleads on her Facebook post. “This is the impact bullying has on a nine-year-old kid that just wants to go to school, get an education and have fun.

“Is there any advice or support or anything that other parents or families have done to help raise disability awareness and education with the school so this doesn’t happen?”

I’ve set up a GoFundMe to send brave Quaden and his mother to Disneyland. Let’s show a bullied kid that he is loved! https://t.co/vGLHQXzO0K

— Brad Williams (@funnybrad) February 20, 2020

Mr Williams was so touched by the video he decided to try and raise money for Quaden and his family to visit Disneyland.

“I don’t know how you can watch that video and not just burst into tears and feel horrible for him,” he said from the US.

“You just want to hug him. I’m a dwarf as well. I, like a lot of people, have been bullied. I know that feeling and I couldn’t sit and do nothing. But I’m a world away.

“I didn’t know what to do so I started this GoFundMe to say: ‘Hey, you can come out to Disneyland. That sounds like a lot of fun. That’s something I could do’.”

Mr Williams said his goal was to raise US$10,000.

“I started it and went to bed. When I woke up, we had US$18,000,” he said.

In the first 20 hours, the campaign had raised more than US$64,000.

Quaden Bayles with Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Twitter

The fundraiser comes on the back of Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley saying his team will take Quaden under their wing and let him lead them onto the field with the skipper in this weekend’s big match on the Gold Coast.

Quaden’s emotional Mum said on her social media post the family had tried to be strong and positive.

“We can’t do it anymore,” she said.

“I feel like I’m failing as a parent. I feel like the education system is failing. It’s the constant bullying, the name calling, obviously pointing out his difference. We’re sick of it.

“I just want people to know and see the impact because this could be your child or your child could be the bully that pushes a kid over the edge. God forbid we lost another child to suicide because of the bully.

Queensland boy Quaden Bayles has been distraught after suffering bullying at school Picture: Supplied

“Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Disability awareness and education. There is not enough, obviously.”

In a statement, a Queensland Education Department spokeswoman said the “immediate wellbeing of those involved in the video is being addressed as a matter of priority”.

“Any parent who is concerned about the harmful effects of bullying on their child is encouraged to immediately reach out to their child’s school or their family doctor,” the spokeswoman said.

“There are supports available in every school, state and non-state, to help protect young people and address the problem of bullying.

“That includes direct intervention and education for those involved in bullying behaviour.”

The Education Department spokeswoman said the need for rapid support for critical incidents involving bullying was the reason a specialist Bullying Response Team was established in 2018.

“The team of senior officers are in place to respond immediately to referrals for urgent advice and support to families affected by bullying,” she said.