One in three kids is bullied every day at school. This number is staggering, and it's a cry for help. Whether it's physically or emotionally, bullying leaves permanent scars on the hearts of kids everywhere.
Sometimes it's hard to grasp just how bad bullying is at schools today, especially if you're not witnessing it first-hand. Unfortunately for Keaton Jones, he knows all too well just how bad the bullying is. Keaton's mom, Kimberly, recorded her son's breakdown after having to be picked up at school once again for fear of being bullied at lunch.
"They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends," Keaton says through tears.
The video went viral almost instantly, and it's been gaining attention across the Internet. However, it seems that it might be a little too much.
Celebrities all across social media have been reaching out to Keaton, saying he's not alone and encouraging the young boy to keep going.
Stay strong, Keaton. Don't let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better. While those punks at your school are deciding what kind of people they want to be in this world, how would you and your mom like to come to the Avengers premiere in LA next year? https://t.co/s1QwCQ3toi
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 10, 2017
Keaton, will you've my guest at the Premiere of #InfinityWar too? I think you are about one of the coolest kids I have ever seen! Can't wait to meet you in person, pal. Forget those ignorant kids. One day, very soon, they are going to feel pretty stupid for this. https://t.co/BqJLxu25GN
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 11, 2017
Keaton, this is so accurate. Why do people do this? I think your sooo cool Keaton! I wanna be your friend ( but srsly) ur freakin awesome â¤ï¸ https://t.co/LD7Q762bL9
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
Keaton I, along with my @CSUFootball and @packers brothers wanted you to know that we stand against bullying. @Lakyn_Jones #StandWithKeaton pic.twitter.com/qReeMlDp71
— Bernard Blake (@BamBam_Blake23) December 10, 2017
.@lakyn_jones Hey Keaton, bullies are the ones with the problems NOT you. Many are bullied at home and pass it on. Cowards always need an audience. Be strong! I'll come walk the hall and eat lunch with you anytime. #IstandwithKeaton #Keatonstrong #KeatonJones
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 10, 2017
I love this boy and I've never met him. You are brave and beautiful just as you are, don't ever let others define who you are. Bullies are insecure and ignorant. Words create emotional poison, don't listen to them so that poison doesn't ever get to your pure heart â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/SjntR2Pksk
— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) December 10, 2017
You are the MAN #KeatonJones. That video is powerful and correct. Bullying is not okay. ✊ðŸ¾
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) December 11, 2017
Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 10, 2017
One stranger even set up a GoFundMe account for Keaton, raising over $53,000 in just a day. Joseph Lam started the page, saying although money isn't the answer, it might help with his future. However, in a recent update, it looks as though Lam was met with negative feedback from the family.
Kimberly Jones has since deleted the video off her Facebook page, and has made her profile extremely private. In a final post, however, she detailed her gratitude and the reason for the privacy.
"Friends, overwhelmed is the understatement of the world right now. I love each of you for what you are doing. I'm humbled by the voice my boy has been given, but he's still just a little boy, and he's a little boy who desperately wants acceptance, that I have to try to find a way to navigate him through the difference in true acceptance and attention," she wrote. "I know God has His hand in this and I trust that the right things will happen in the right time. In the meantime, bear with us."
We stand with you, Keaton, and with all those who are being bullied. You are not alone.