The father of a special needs boy took to Facebook on Thursday to express his hurt and anger after he learned older boys at his son’s school were taunting and bullying the little boy.

KTLA reports that Jackson Bezzant, who turns 8 in a little over a week, has Treachers Collins syndrome, a rare medical condition that affects the way a person’s bones develop and grow. He also suffers hearing loss and wears a hearing aide to school each day.

His looks and disabilities made Jackson the target of bullying by three older boys who called him a “monster” and a “freak,” while pushing him and throwing rocks at him. According to Jackson’s father, Dan Bezzant, the torment his son received was too much for a dad to take.

“Jackson was eating and three older boys started picking on him. They were saying he looked like a monster and kept calling him names,” Bezzant told East Idaho News. “Luckily an aide caught it, but hearing this — I just broke down.”

Bezzant also said the adults can be just as bad, if not worse, than some of the students.

“The adults are worse than the children. One time a woman walked past us and we could hear her say, ‘Did you see that little boy’s face?’ If she’s saying things like that, what are her children saying? How are they acting?”

However, after his son’s mother told him that children were calling Jackson a monster, Bezzan posted a heartbreaking message on Facebook, in hopes that parents of the children at the school will talk to their kids about bullying.

Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center reports that children who experience bullying tend to have social anxiety, perform poorly in school, and experience sleep difficulties. They’re also twice as likely as non-bullied children to experience headaches, stomach aches, and other physical ailments. Further, students with disabilities are twice as likely to be bullied when compared to children without disabilities.

Meanwhile, Bezzant said he learned of two other children in the east Idaho who also have Treachers Collins syndrome. He’s currently planning a playdate for his son and the children.

“I didn’t think a simple Facebook post would get this big. I just hope this helps,” Bezzant added. “Jackson may not look like your ‘normal’ kid, but he is such a good boy and he’s got a huge heart. That’s what matters.”

Anyone who would like to send Jackson a card can mail their words of encouragement to P.O. Box 1563 Idaho Falls, ID 83403.

[Feature Photo: Facebook]