Bullying is unfortunately something with which we are all too familiar. It;s something many adults still deal with, but it’s even worse to have to see a child go through it. Luckily in this day and age of social media, kids who feel alone in these times can find global support they just might not feel locally. That was the case for Keaton Jones.
Keaton is a middle schooler from Knoxville, TN who made a heartbreaking video after a rough day at school. As he tearfully recounted the terrible things his fellow classmates did, he ask a very important question: “Just out of curiosity, why to they bully?”
His mother Kimberly Jones posted the video on Facebook Friday and it quickly took the internet by storm. The #StandWithKeaton hashtag is now all over social media. 22 million views later, Keaton has found that there are plenty of new friends coming his way.
The outpouring of love is coming from a bunch of celebrities, too! Star Wars legend Mark Hamill tweeted “They’re just jealous because you’re so smart & handsome.” Actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld asked Keaton to be her date for the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere in a Twitter video. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown said she wanted to be friends with him, along with NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. “That fact he has sympathy and compassion for other people when he’s going through it himself, is a testament to who he is,” said Justin Bieber on Instagram.
Even Captain America and the Hulk got in on this battle against bullying!
Mark Ruffalo wrote to Keaton, ““Little buddy, I was bullied when I was a kid. You are right #ItGetsBetter! You are my own personal super hero. Protect Yo Heart. You got a pal in the Hulk.”
While Chris Evan invited the middle schooler and his mom to the premiere of Avengers: Infinity Wars next year! Keaton’s older sister responded right away to accept on her brother’s behalf.
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/939976020479938562
Those are only a few of the many, many messages of love, support, and invitations to hang out from actors, musicians, professional athletes, and more. Not only that, but it’s inspired people to share their experiences with bullying in an effort to raise awareness of this widespread issue. Hopefully, the powerful message behind #StandWithKeaton stays with all of us for a very long time.
