What If All Parents Did This

Following the disgusting behaviour by Charlie, his father took the matters into his own hands.

Do you agree with this father’s approach, or would you adopt a different approach?

The question now is, will it work? Will Charlie learn to be more respectful or rejoice in the publicity?

What does the research say?

The Pros and Cons of Publicly Shaming Children

Pros:

1. Immediate Behavioural Correction:
   Public shaming can sometimes lead to swift changes in a child’s behaviour, especially if they are confronted with the social consequences of their actions.
2. Accountability:
   It may teach children to take responsibility for their actions, particularly when their behaviour negatively affects others.
3. Deterrent Effect:
   Public shaming might discourage not only the child in question but also their peers from engaging in similar behaviour.
4. Parental Control:
   Some parents feel that public shaming is a strong disciplinary tool that reinforces their authority and expectations.

Cons:

1. Emotional Harm:
   Public shaming can cause long-lasting psychological damage, including feelings of humiliation, worthlessness, and low self-esteem.
2. Damaged Relationships:
   It can seriously harm the trust and bond between parents and children, leading to resentment and emotional distance.
3. Social Isolation:
   Children who are publicly shamed may experience bullying or exclusion from their peers, intensifying their distress.
4. Negative Behavioural Impact:
   Rather than correcting behaviour, shaming can lead to secrecy, lying, or acting out in more harmful ways, as the child may focus on avoiding humiliation rather than understanding their mistake.
5. Reputation Damage:
   In the age of social media, public shaming can have permanent consequences, with digital records that may follow the child into adulthood.
6. Lack of Constructive Learning:
   Shaming often addresses the behaviour in a punitive way but does not guide the child towards understanding, empathy, or better decision-making.

Let us hope for Charlie’s sake it is the pros that win the day.