Bullying is a pervasive problem that plagues societies all over the world. While parents and teachers strive to teach children that bullying is never acceptable, eradicating it entirely remains a monumental challenge. So, what should be done when a child is caught bullying others?
One Texan mom, known as Star, found herself faced with this difficult situation when she discovered that her son had been calling his classmates derogatory names like “idiots” and “stupid”. Determined to address his behavior, Star devised a controversial method of punishment that has sparked outrage and debate online.
In an interview with ABC13, Star explained that she firmly upholds old-school parenting values and believes in instilling strong morals in her children. Instead of simply scolding her son or demanding an apology, she decided to make him wear a t-shirt that boldly declared, “I AM A BULLY”. She then took photos of him in the shirt and posted them on Facebook for all to see.
Unsurprisingly, Star’s decision has garnered mixed reactions. While many people applaud her for taking a strong stance against bullying, others argue that she may have crossed a line.
Star clarified that her intention was not to embarrass her son, but rather, to reach out to the parents of the children her son had bullied. She wanted each of them to receive a personal apology. After receiving negative backlash, she removed the post from Facebook. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her decision, as she believes it has had a positive impact on her son’s behavior.
Despite Star’s good intentions, experts caution that her approach may do more harm than good. Nonetheless, Star asserts that her son has already shown improvements in his behavior.
“He’ll survive,” Star said. “And he’s already been treating his sisters better. He’s already been treating his cousins better. He learned from it. That’s all that matters.”
While Star’s actions are undoubtedly controversial, if her son’s behavior has truly improved, perhaps he has learned a lesson that all children need to learn at some point. What are your thoughts? Do you believe Star went too far? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Meanwhile, let’s stand together in support of the anti-bullying movement by sharing this article. Together, we can work towards a future where bullying is minimized and kindness prevails.
