Bullying is an eternally debated topic. Not only is old as time, but it’s also something that evokes strong feelings in just about everyone. This is even more pertinent when it comes to children. Who is to blame for a child bullying another child? Is it the bully? Is it the school? Is it the parents?
Personally, I think it’s a combination of all three. Firstly, children must be taught to take responsibility for their actions. Secondly, teachers have a duty to ensure their school is a safe environment for all of its pupils. Thirdly, parents have to do their utmost to impress upon their children that bullying, in any form, is not okay.
This brings us rather nicely onto one father, Bryan Thornhill, who this past week has gone viral for coming up with a rather creative way to punish his child for bullying others on the school bus.
As per Britain’s Daily Mail, Bryan made his son run to school in the rain, while he himself drove alongside him in the car.
Afterward, he shared his punishment on social media. The somewhat unusual method of rebuke has spread faster than he could ever have imagined.
Here’s what Bryan says in the video he uploaded to Facebook:
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“Hey everyone, welcome to you better listen to your Dad 2018.
“My son has finally got in trouble on the bus enough to where he was kicked off the bus for three days because he was being a little bully which I do not tolerate, can’t stand.”
Bryan elaborates that his family lives around one mile from the school, and that his 10-year-old son is actually a pretty good athlete.
“The good news is guys he keeps up a pretty good mile pace, 6 miles and hour so far. Yesterday he was apparently a little rude for Michelle in the morning, so even though it’s raining this morning he still gets to run,” Bryan continues.
He also confirmed that since tightening the reins on his son, the boy’s behaviour has improved; both in school and at home.
“This is old-fashioned, simple education. It doesn’t kill anyone. This is a healthy way for a child to be punished, because it’s training,” Bryan says. “Sometimes it sucks for then, but it’s what teaches them.”
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Bryan believes that his way of punishing his children teaches them to take responsibility for their own actions. He is, however, quick to add that he is always there when his kids need him.
The video in question has spread rapidly online since being uploaded on March 1 this year. In just a few days, it has been viewed 1.6 million times and has over 37,000 shares.
Bryan has also posted videos from the other two days he made his son run to school.
“Teach your children, don’t be a friend, be a parent,” is his message.
What do you think? Was he right to punish his child in such a way?
Personally, I agree that we need to raise our children so they understand that it is never acceptable to bully someone.
Is this specific method the right way to go about it? You’ll have to decide for yourselves.
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