Internet in Tears Over 8-Year-Old's Christmas List: 'My Heart Sank'

An eight-year-old's Christmas wish list has broken the internet's heart.

A viral TikTok clip, which has been watched more than 2.8 million times, shows a handwritten list that includes products including an Apple iPad mini and an iPhone 12.

Towards the bottom of the list, posted by her mom on account @thebolivers two days ago, the schoolgirl has asked for "more friends" and "less bullying."

According to Youth Truth, a nonprofit student survey company, one in four American students is bullied.

The data collected from nearly 80,000 public school students across the country in grades five through 12 revealed most bullying happened in person. Over half of the respondents (79 percent) stated they had been a victim of verbal harassment and 44 percent of students say the bullying is because of how they look.

The girl's mom added the following text to the video: "When I say my heart sank."

Effects of Bullying

Stop Bullying.gov, a website run jointly by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, has provided information about how bullying affects kids.

The website states children who are bullied aren't the only ones that are left feeling down. It can negatively impact parents and those who have witnessed the bullying too.

A child who is bullied may experience the following:

• Depression and anxiety—this may increase their feelings of sadness and loneliness causing changes in sleep and eating patterns.
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
• Health complaints
• Decreased academic achievement—such as low scores on tests.

How To Prevent Bullying

A TikToker who watched the Christmas list video commented: "I'm a teacher. If this were my student, I'd want to know. Please talk to her teacher."

There are a number of things parents can do to prevent bullying, according to Stop Bullying:

• Help kids understand bullying and make sure they are aware it is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help.
• Frequently check in with kids often by listening to them and understanding their concerns.
• Encourage kids to do what they love such as activities and hobbies to boost their confidence and help them make friends.
• Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.

What Do the Comments Say?

Over 5,200 comments have been left on the upsetting clip. One message, which received more than 7,500 likes, said: "We need to do something about bullying, we are taking way too long."

Another said: "Makes my heart ache."

"That broke my heart," wrote another person.

Newsweek has reached out to @thebolivers for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.

Update 12/08/22, 9:55 a.m. ET: This article was updated to add a new headline.