Bullying is a pervasive issue that plagues societies worldwide, and it’s something we’re all eager to stamp out. Teaching children from an early age about the unacceptability of bullying is a crucial lesson that parents and teachers strive to instill.
However, completely eradicating it remains a challenge. So, what happens when a child is found to be bullying others? Well, one Texan mom, known only as Star, took a controversial approach to disciplining her son after hearing that he had been calling his classmates derogatory names like “idiots” and “stupid”. Her method of punishment has caused a stir on the internet.
Star, an “old-school parent” who believes in instilling strong morals, was determined to put an end to her son’s bullying behavior. Fed up with his antics, she devised her own form of reprimand. Instead of simply scolding him or ordering him to apologize, Star went a step further. She dressed her son in a t-shirt that boldly proclaimed, “I AM A BULLY.” She then snapped photos of him wearing the shirt and posted them on Facebook for all to see.
Unsurprisingly, Star’s decision has garnered mixed reactions. While many people have applauded her for her strict punishment, others believe she may have crossed a line. Star, in an attempt to clarify her intentions, emphasized that her purpose was not to embarrass her son. Instead, she posted the photos on Facebook to reach out to the parents of the children her son may have bullied, so that each child could receive a personal apology.
Although Star eventually removed the post due to the negative backlash, she stands by her choice. She wanted her son to learn from the experience, and it seems that he has. He admitted that he didn’t like the feeling of being labeled a bully and expressed his desire for nobody else to feel that way because of him. To Star, that was precisely the lesson she wanted him to take away from this incident.
Some experts argue that Star’s actions may do more harm than good. However, the determined mom believes her son has already shown signs of improvement. “He’ll survive,” she asserts. “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.”
Star’s approach is undoubtedly controversial, but if it leads to a positive change in her son’s behavior, then perhaps it’s a lesson that all kids need to learn at some point. What are your thoughts? Do you believe Star went too far?
We would love to hear your opinion in the comments box below. And don’t forget to share this article to show your support for the anti-bullying movement. Together, we can create a future where bullying becomes a rarity.