A recent incident at a local skatepark has drawn widespread attention online after a young boy was reportedly bullied while trying to play with other children.
The story, shared by Kayla Jellick on social media, has sparked an outpouring of support from parents and community members, many of whom have expressed outrage and concern for the child’s well-being.
According to Jellick’s post, the incident occurred when her seven-year-old son excitedly left the car, hoping to make new friends at the skate park.
Instead, he was met with hostility from other children, leaving him upset and in tears. Witnesses described the bullies’ behavior as aggressive, prompting fears among local parents about the safety of the area for young children.
The post has resonated with parents across the community, with many sharing their own experiences of children being mistreated or excluded.
Keri Palmer-Lake, commenting on the post, expressed her sympathy and noted her own child’s strong character, saying she would have stood up to the bullies.
Others, like Angela Archibald, suggested community members organize gatherings at the park to show the boy that there are supportive peers who value kindness and friendship.
Michelle Hedley wrote,
“This is heartbreaking,” Children shouldn’t have to deal with bullies. How devastating for him.”
Michelle Hedley
Moreover, Brenda Hapimarika added,
“Poor kid, the bullies actually need to be dealt with,”
Brenda Hapimarika
Many commenters were also concerned about the potential long-term effects on the child. Catherine Rigg noted that the young boy appeared traumatized by the experience, warning that he might be hesitant to return to the skate park.
She wrote,
Just a pity you weren’t able to capture the bully on camera. Naming and shaming seems to be the only way to effectively deal with “villains” these days.
Catherine Rigg
That poor little boy appears so traumatised by the whole nasty episode he’ll probably never want to go to the skate park again.
I’m sick of hearing the goody goody brigade defending young thugs for their selfish, entitled behaviour. Hard lives, bad upbringing, negligent parenting can’t be used as an excuse anymore.
Waitara should be the ideal place to raise our families and see out our days without our having to live in constant fear of viscious, self centred bullies ruining our quiet enjoyment of life and surroundings.
The incident has prompted calls for community action. Some parents suggested involving local authorities to address bullying, while others recommended organizing safe play opportunities specifically for younger children.
Samantha Sturzaker, for example, proposed a small community meetup at the skatepark for boys the same age as the victim to help him feel safe and included again.
Tamia Lee urged others to “be kind and teach your kids to be kind too,” highlighting the role parents play in shaping how children treat others.
Others, like Matt Bullock, emphasized the importance of teaching resilience, noting that while bullies don’t disappear as children grow, guidance and support can help kids navigate difficult situations.
Despite the outpouring of support, frustration remains high. Several commenters expressed anger toward the perpetrators and their parents, with some advocating for accountability and immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Taneka Ledonna Rauner asked,
“Who in their right mind behaves this way?” . “Kids should feel safe in places that were made for them.”
Taneka Ledonna Rauner
