The internet is saturated with a new way of punishing children and teens for their poor choices. Parents are taking videos to shame and embarrass their kids perhaps hoping to prevent further misbehaving. How effective this new form of discipline is questionable because publicly humiliating a child can have lasting impact on their emotional well being, as well as open doors to more bullying from peers. Cyber-shaming is in itself a form of bullying.
In one video that has gone viral, a mom condemns her 13-year-old for posting inapprpriate photos on Facebook. In another, a Georgia barber gives kids “old man” haircuts to teach them a lesson. Other parents shame their kids in person, like one dad who made his kid watch as his Christmas gift was returned because he was naughty.
Wayman Gresham recently made a video to call out parents on this practice. It starts off looking like another cyber-shaming video. He’s a dad fed up with his kid’s choices who’s ready to shave his son’s head. But then it takes a turn.
“Good parenting starts before he even gets to the point of being out of control,” he says. “Good parenting is letting your child know that you love them regardless of what they are and who they are and showing them the way by example.”
The internet is forever. Cyber-shaming videos that go viral can last much longer than the child ever deserves. Parenting is tough work, but it can be done in a loving way, which is generally more effective than this hurtful platform. Watch the video below to see more of what Gresham has to say.
What are your thoughts? Is shaming an effective way to parent?
