A young boy in the US has written and directed a short film about the effects of bullying on children in schools.

The film, by 12-year-old Jonah Maxwell, has been viewed more than 500,000 times on YouTube.

His family is originally from Ireland, having moved from Dublin to Chicago five years ago.

The piece is being shown in schools locally and around the world - including Ireland, Australia and Brazil.

Jonah has been interviewed by local TV in Chicago, and has also done several interviews with newspapers to tell his story.

His mother Jenny Maxwell says: "Our hope is that it will reach many more children around the world."

The film talks about the effects bullying can have in this social media age, and shows 'faceless' bullies as a result.

But it reminds people it does not have to be this way, and encourages them to stand up to bullies.

"If it's happening to you, you have to tell someone," the film says.