Mom Shares Daughter’s Bullying Over Clothes at School, Internet’s Support Changes Everything (Exclusive)

The bullying hasn’t stopped entirely, but it’s eased, and the mother is urging other parents to instill compassion and understanding in their children.

Amanda Disley was devastated to learn her 11-year-old daughter, whom she calls Chewy, was being targeted at school over her clothing.

On September 17, the mother of four turned to TikTok for support, sharing that bullies mocked Chewy because “they knew her clothes were from Walmart,” as Disley wrote in her post. Determined to boost her daughter’s confidence with new clothes, Disley tells PEOPLE, she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of online support that followed.

Before the school year began, Chewy had asked for a new backpack and some outfits, and Disley purchased items she thought her daughter would love. Chewy was thrilled with them, but the bullying at school soon targeted her wardrobe.

Disley noticed Chewy was visiting the school nurse often—up to three times daily—with complaints of headaches and stomachaches. At a doctor’s visit, Chewy revealed she was being teased about her clothes but hadn’t told her mom, knowing Disley had already spent money and couldn’t afford replacements.

“I told her she’s wonderful just as she is, and she doesn’t need to change for anyone,” Disley shares with PEOPLE. “She said she still loves her things but only feels safe being herself at home.”

Chewy wanted plain, neutral-colored clothes—baggy pants, Birkenstocks, and Nike sneakers—to blend in. As a mom of four, Disley knew replacing her wardrobe would be tough. She tried Goodwill, but nothing fit Chewy’s taste or seemed likely to stop the bullying.

Determined, Disley found a $10 off $40 deal at Target, using her day’s earnings to buy clothes she hoped would help Chewy feel secure. She shared a TikTok video of her picks—gray, black, and pink tees and jeans—seeking feedback. Her goal was to show other moms how to shop smart on a budget, but the response was far bigger. Comments flooded in with similar stories and offers to help.

Target sent a $100 gift card, SHEIN offered $50, and Burlington provided $100. Disley and Chewy took a day off for a shopping spree. “It felt incredible to say yes instead of ‘maybe next time,’” Disley tells PEOPLE.

Back at school, the bullying persisted, but Chewy’s new clothes gave her a confidence boost. She began making new friends and decided against transferring schools, even expressing interest in volleyball and band. Previously, Disley had offered a school change, but Chewy now wanted to stay.

To address the bullying, Disley contacted school officials. “Talking to the girls isn’t enough,” she says. “Chewy said it made things worse.” The school responded by planning to remove the bullies from class, involve their parents, and launch a bullying investigation.

“By day three, we’ve had no incidents or calls home,” Disley reported to PEOPLE on September 26. “Chewy’s made friends and sits with them at lunch.”

Grateful for the TikTok community and store donations, Disley emphasizes that Chewy isn’t to blame for the bullying—it stems from the bullies’ own issues. She encourages Chewy to stay true to herself.

To the parents of the bullies, Disley has a plea: Teach kindness and empathy. “Our kids don’t choose what we can afford. We do our best,” she says. “Explain how it feels to be mocked for things beyond their control.”