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*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Despite the many programs which have tried to combat it, bullying continues to be the root of many young people's struggles throughout the world.
In Australia, 9-year-old Quaden Bayles, who was born achondroplasia, which causes dwarfism, has been bullied so much at his school that he's made attempts on his own life.
After school one day, Quaden's mother couldn't think of what else to do, so she recorded the anguish he felt as he got into the car.
Through tears, Quaden tells his mother:
"I wish I could stab myself in my heart. I want someone to kill me."
Quaden's mother Yarraka, also in tears, explains in the video why she's sharing the emotional moment:
"I want people to know, this is the effect bullying has. This is what bullying does. All it takes is one more instant, and you wonder why kids are killing themselves. I want people to know how much this is hurting us as a family … I've got to constantly keep my eye on him because of the suicide attempts."
In tears, Quaden said in the video: “I just want to die right now." His mum is calling for more awareness in school… https://t.co/rGLSW56Ysi— HuffPost Australia (@HuffPost Australia) 1582178073.0
"If you get bullied just stand up for yourself." 9-year-old Murri boy, Quaden tackles bullying head-on and receives… https://t.co/sp1GVgYa2x— NITV (@NITV) 1582257597.0
The video of Quaden quickly went viral, being shared and commented on thousands of times by people all over the internet.
Before long, celebrities everywhere were sounding off, showing Quaden their support.
That includes many of the young man's favorite rugby players.
The Indigenous #NRLAllStars are behind you Quaden! 👊🏽❤️ https://t.co/52RLy8SrSd— NRL (@NRL) 1582168877.0
The Indigenous #NRLAllStars have invited 9-year-old Quaden Bayles, a victim of bullying, to lead them out this Satu… https://t.co/YrnbS84fyK— NRL (@NRL) 1582178535.0
Update from the @NRL on Quaden Bayles. At this stage, Cody Walker will bring the 9-yr-old into the Indigenous… https://t.co/UyTmJP4fyM— Dominique Loudon (@Dominique Loudon) 1582178986.0
An American comedian, Brad Williams, even started a GoFundMe to bring Quaden and his mom to Disneyland.
This makes me sick. I’ve been trying to get in touch with this family. If any of my Austrialian fans know this fami… https://t.co/hCFlCQ1aUa— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582169262.0
UPDATE! I’ve spoken to Quaden’s mother and sent a video message to him. I’m going to be setting up a GoFundMe very… https://t.co/tE5mnifh5P— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582171428.0
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/mcu4MgIZmS— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582173783.0
As of the writing of this article, the GoFundMe had raised over $300,000 and included free flights to California.
Once again, any money left over after flights, hotel, food, tickets and some spending cash for the family (gotta ge… https://t.co/5FTajj85SS— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582229763.0
I’ve heard from men, women, all heights, all races, all parts of the LGBTQ+ community, all political affiliations.… https://t.co/JlRgcx3Cy3— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582239857.0
I just heard from @FijiAirways. They let me know that they are DONATING plane tickets so Quaden and his Mom can get… https://t.co/oM5ZbvlL5h— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582248098.0
People can always make a difference when they band together.
It’s now at 130k. Amazing. Thank you everyone. This is way outside my level of expertise. I just don’t want to mess… https://t.co/qrHfhurT3P— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582256872.0
I just heard from a very important person who is going to help me make sure the money is spent correctly. They have… https://t.co/d0U0yHrozq— Brad Williams (@Brad Williams) 1582258930.0
Other celebrities like Hugh Jackman and cheerleader Gabi Butler also offered Quaden their support.
Quaden - you’ve got a friend in me. #BeKind @LokelaniHiga https://t.co/8dr3j2z8Sy https://t.co/jyqtZYC953— Hugh Jackman (@Hugh Jackman) 1582221132.0
I stand with Quaden. Stay strong little man. No one deserves this and you have more people that care about you than… https://t.co/trwLg2netP— Harry Froling (@Harry Froling) 1582247284.0
@S11E11B11A https://t.co/UNkjreHsJV— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@Jeffrey Dean Morgan) 1582226521.0
The world is behind you The @celtics are behind you Champ Love the jersey, Why don’t we get you to one of our game… https://t.co/1m3d7e8qRP— Enes Kanter (@Enes Kanter) 1582237210.0
Hopefully Quaden's spirits are a bit lifted by the many messages of support which flooded his inbox.
Hey little man. For what it’s worth you have taught my family so much. You have inspired us and in our home you are… https://t.co/zECuHt4SVO— Jon Bernthal (@Jon Bernthal) 1582238819.0
Hey there son, Much love to you&your family. Stay strong. You're an example to all, every one of us out in the worl… https://t.co/4zxlFs4jOD— Vincent D'Onofrio (@Vincent D'Onofrio) 1582239766.0
Chatri Sityodtong has a special message for Quaden Bayles 🙏❤💪 @yodchatri #WeStandwithQuaden #WeAreONE https://t.co/Ex4bbYG3qk— ONE Championship (@ONE Championship) 1582263900.0
Quaden has now become a minor online celebrity.
The outpouring of support for Quaden Bayles has continued. His mother says she is overwhelmed by the support. Yarra… https://t.co/z7jhwJRu6e— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NEWS Brisbane) 1582264393.0
Stay strong, Quaden, we're all rooting for you!
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/