Social Media Bringing Bullies To Justice
Andrew Daniels posing with his new bike from a photo posted on the Adams Police Department's Facebook page. |
ADAMS, Mass. — Several bullies were brought to justice for tormenting a 10-year-old boy after a video of the incident was posted on the Internet.
After the video of Andrew Daniels being bullied by four other boys surfaced on social media and grabbed public attention, the video caught the attention of the Adams Police. With the help of social media, the police were able to begin an investigation, according to the department's Facebook page.
Andrew's grandfather Mark Brown said his grandson simply took a ride down to his aunt's house last Sunday to show off his new bike he recently received as a present for Easter. Brown said while riding around four boys started bulling Andrew.
"They threw a basketball at him, hit him in his face, and knocked him off his bike," Brown said. "Once his bike was on the ground they kicked it, and then they grabbed a hold of it and rolled it down the street."
Brown said once his grandson got his bike back, the kids continued to throw the ball at him and throw rocks at him until they ultimately broke the bike.
"He was scared because there were four of them … he was fearful because they wouldn't stop, even when he tried to ride away," Brown said.
Brown said his grandson is autistic, which two of the bullies knew.
The video, apparently made on a phone, is jerky but shows the boys tossing a basketball at Andrew and using foul language and calling him names.
"He wasn't really hurt but the thing that hurts us is every time he experiences such a thing he says 'they are picking on me because I'm a dummy,'" Brown said. "I can assure you he's every educated, very worldly, and he's well-traveled … any young fellow would like to hang out with him because he is a very interesting boy."
Brown said people called his grandson a hero because he stood up to these four boys who have notoriously bullied other children. He said some were bullied so bad they had to leave their school.
"He stood up to them even though he was outnumbered, and he went after them, something the others never did," he said. "The law stepped in and now the others can come out and tell their story … they don't fear these boys any more … some justice has been made and they feel safe."
Adams Police, on its Facebook page, thank those who had come forward to provide information on the incident. "This is currently under investigation and we have appreciated your help," the post said. A call to the department for information was referred to Police Chief Richard Tarsa, who was unavailable Saturday.
Brown said there was an "overwhelming and amazing" outpouring of support for Andrew. He said all of his teachers contacted him and many others gave him gifts such as an iPod and a scooter.
Adams resident Bree Valois, who had never met Andrew, also came across the video and decided to return to the boy what was taken from him.
"It made me sick to my stomach and really touched me because I was once a victim of bullying," Valois said. "I knew what he was going through and how he felt so I had to do something to put a smile back on his face. I needed to let him know that he wasn't alone, and that he had a lot of people standing behind him."
When going to purchase Andrew a new bike, she spoke to her aunt, who is co-manager of Walmart, and the other manager. Walmart decided to donate the bike outright.
Valois said the whole incident shows how social media can be used for good and show how great a community is.
"It's amazing how social media can bring so many together in such a hard time," she said. "Now the family that once thought they were alone now know they have many behind them."
Brown said his grandson, who is very active in school and a proud Boy Scout who just received his Arrows of Light Badge and will soon participate in the Pine Wood Derby State championship, is touched by all of the support. However, he said he feels bad so many others have been bullied. He said his grandson is naturally a giver and rather people support anti bullying causes and Autism awareness, especially for autism awareness month this April.
"Andrew is one of those kind of boys who likes to make friends with everyone … he's a tough little boy," he said. "He's a very beautiful kid, and he has a lot to offer."
Tags: Adams Police, bullying,