Bullying is an issue that continues to plague our schools and workplaces, causing misery and pain for the victims. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children to treat others with kindness and respect. But what happens when you discover that your own child is engaging in bullying behavior?
One Texas mom faced this dilemma in 2018 when she learned that her fifth-grade son was calling other boys “stupid” and “idiots.” Determined to put a stop to his harmful actions, she took a controversial approach to discipline.
“I did what I had to do to stop it from progressing,” the mom, known as Star, explained. “I’m a very old-school parent. I don’t coddle my children. I don’t sugarcoat the world to them.”
Star’s response was to make her son wear a t-shirt to school that boldly proclaimed, “I am a BULLY.” She even posted a picture of him wearing the shirt on Facebook, with the intention of reaching out to the parents of the children her son may have bullied, so that they could receive a personal apology.
While Star’s actions received a mixture of reactions, with some applauding her for taking a strong stance against bullying, others believed that it may have done more harm than good. Dr. Richard Pesikoff, a child psychiatrist, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on her son’s self-esteem.
The controversy surrounding Star’s decision ignited a heated debate online. Ultimately, Star decided to remove the picture from Facebook due to the negative feedback she received. However, it is important to note that the school was supportive of her actions, recognizing the need to address the issue of bullying.
It is vital that we tackle bullying head-on, but there are different opinions on how to do it effectively. While some may question Star’s approach, there is no denying the importance of addressing the issue and teaching our children empathy and respect for others.
What do you think of Star’s punishment? Did she go too far, or was it a necessary measure to curb her son’s bullying behavior? We would love to hear your thoughts.
