Bullying is something that we all know has no place in the world. It’s a terrible practice that can make someone’s life miserable and cause immense harm. However, despite our best efforts, bullying still persists in schools, workplaces, and even homes. Recently, a mom from Texas found herself facing a difficult situation when she discovered that her fifth-grade son was calling other boys names. Her response to this situation went viral, sparking both praise and criticism.
As a parent, I’ve always taught my children to be themselves and express themselves freely. But there’s one thing I’ve made clear – bullying will never be tolerated in our household. Thankfully, I have never received a call from the school or another parent about my children bullying others. However, I have often wondered how I would handle it if that day ever came.
In 2018, a mom named Star faced this predicament. She discovered that her son was calling other boys “stupid” and “idiots.” Determined to put a stop to his harmful behavior, Star took an old-school approach that garnered a lot of attention. She made her son wear a t-shirt to school that boldly proclaimed, “I am a BULLY.”
Star took a photo of her son in the t-shirt and posted it on her Facebook account. In her post, she explained that she wanted to reach out to the parents of the kids her son had targeted and offer a personal apology. Her decision to publicly punish her son received mixed reactions online, with people divided on whether she had gone too far.
Fox News Insider
Child psychiatrist Dr. Richard Pesikoff expressed concern about the punishment, suggesting it could have negative consequences. He believed that embarrassing a child and solidifying a negative identity at such a young age might not be the best approach. He recommended reaching out to the school for support.
Star, however, defended her decision, stating that her son’s school fully supported her actions and understood why she took this step. Nonetheless, after receiving negative feedback, she decided to take the photo down from Facebook.
Fox News Insider
Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts. Do you think Star took this punishment too far? Was she right to publicly shame her son? Let us know in the comments section below.
