Australia: Video of child dwarfed and harassed at school goes around the world

Screen capture from Yarraka Bayles' video, dated February 20, 2020, showing her disabled son Quaden in tears after being bullied at school. Yarraka Bayles / Facebook

Text by: RFI Follow

It's an overwhelming video that moved Australia and has already gone viral around the world. A 9-year-old boy with dwarfism was once again harassed at school. Her mother, Yarraka Bayles, posted this video to report the harassment suffered by her son.

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" Give me a knife, I want to kill myself. [...] I want someone to kill me. These are Quaden's words. The 9 year old boy cries hot tears. He still suffered insults and mockery from his classmates because he was born and will remain small.

Short of solution, Quaden's mother films the sequence . I just picked up my child from school. He was harassed again. I warned the principal. And now I want people to know. Parents, educators, teachers, this is what harassment produces! Yarraka Bayles, who is Aboriginal , wants to denounce the lack of openness and education on disability at school.

Yarraka Bayles did not expect it, but in just two days, the video had been viewed 20 million times. A wave of support floods social networks. Hollywood actors, rugby players, everyone is trying to make the young Quaden smile again.

Quaden - you've got a friend in me. #BeKind @LokelaniHiga https://t.co/8dr3j2z8Sy pic.twitter.com/jyqtZYC953

Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) February 20, 2020

I'm hoping my lovely followers in Australia will somehow bring this to the attention of my pal, #QuadenBayles. Hang in there, Quaden! You've got more friends than you know. I was bullied a lot as a kid. We've all been there. Go, Quaden! https://t.co/yZJs5Rd5F6

James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 21, 2020

The world is behind you
The @celtics are behind you Champ

Love the jersey, Why don't we get you to one of our games. ☘️

Front row seat 🙌 # QuadenBayles # WestandwithQuaden pic.twitter.com/Yipd52uT29

Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) February 20, 2020

The worst day of his life finally turned into a dream, he says. He will be at the stadium this Saturday evening to watch a game of his favorite team. For her part, her mother is waiting for anti-harassment measures to be reinforced.

Read also: Helping your harassed child at school

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  • Australia
  • Education
  • Rights of the child

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