Bullying is something that affects millions of children every day in this country, and it seems to have gotten particularly out of hand in recent years.

Sadly, 7 year-old Jackson Bezzant recently found himself being targeted by bullies when he was approached by three older boys as he ate lunch alone at school one day. The boys began taunting Jackson, calling him names like “monster” and “ugly” as he sat there helpless to defend himself.

Thankfully, a teacher’s aide finally put a stop to the bullying, but Jackson was still left devastated by the experience. Jackson tragically suffers from Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of bones and facial tissues. The condition has left him almost deaf and forced him to undergo major surgery to repair his eye socket.

When Jackson returned home and told his father Dan about the bullying, his dad was moved to tears. He already had seen Jackson be treated differently because of his appearance numerous times.

“One time, a woman walked past us, and we could hear her say, ‘Did you see that little boy’s face?’” Dan recalled.

When Dan heard what the bullies had done to his son, he knew he had to take a stand.

After the incident, Dan took to Facebook to pen a powerful post that has quickly gone viral:

My heart is in pieces right now and my soul feels like its ripping from my chest and this beautiful young man my son Jackson has to endure a constant barrage of derogatory comments and ignorance like Ive never witnessed. He is called ugly and freak and monster on a daily basis by his peers at school. He talks about suicide and he’s not quite 8!

He says he has no friends and everyone hates him. Kids throw rocks at him and push him shouting these horrific words and please please take a minute and imagine if this were your child. Take a minute to educate your children about special needs. Talk to them about compassion and love for our fellow man. His condition is called Treacher Collins. Maybe even look it up. He’s endured horrific surgery and has several more in the coming years.

Anyway, I could go on … but please educate your children.

Please share this. This shouldn’t be happening and to anyone.

Dan was stunned when his post went viral, and soon enough, other children at Jackson’s school were reaching out to offer to befriend and protect the boy. Dan is hoping that his post will inspire other parents to ensure that their children do not become bullies.

“I want parents to see my post and feel my heartbreak,” he said. “Please educate your children and let them know that bullying is not OK.”

We applaud Dan for taking action, and we hope that this will inspire the other children at Jackson’s school to treat him with kindness as they would want to be treated.