Bullied student shares emotional plea, drums up conversation nationwide

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It is a video that is gaining nationwide attention and one you have probably already seen. Student Keaton Jones from Tennessee sharing his tearful experience of being bullied.

Over the weekend, Keaton’s mother shared this video on Facebook. Since then it has gone viral getting attention from dozens of celebrities. Keaton asks why bullies do what they do and gives encouragement to others going through the same thing.

It’s a courageous act one Murrayville Elementary School teacher Kelsey Frantz is applauding.

“As soon as I saw him start talking there was tears. And it just kind of really hit home for me,” Frantz said.

Keaton’s video hitting close to home for Frantz as she too was bullied.

“That one thing that you may say to someone will stay with that person for the rest of their lives,” Frantz said.

That is why Frantz does what she can in the classroom to combat the issue.

“One thing that I try to do as a teacher is I want to create that classroom community where everyone feels safe and comfortable,” Frantz said.

From reading books about bullying, to centering her lesson plans around the problem, and celebrating acts of kindness, Frantz is hopeful Keaton’s courage widens the platform to not only discuss bullying but try and stop it as well.

“I hope he knows that he’s not alone and that this is happening to everyone and when we can come together and realize that this is not okay, this is not how people should be treated,” Frantz said. “That we all have insecurities, we all have feelings but taking them out on other people is never ever the answer.”

Frantz says she hopes Keaton’s plea will help continue to raise awareness about bullying across our nation.