In a bold move, a town in Wisconsin has decided to hold parents accountable for their children’s repeated bullying behaviors by imposing fines of $124. While this approach may seem harsh, the question arises: if parents aren’t willing to address the issue, who will? Forcing parents to face financial repercussions might be the key to encouraging them to take action against their kids’ bullying.
The Plover Village Board recently passed an anti-bullying ordinance aimed at combatting this troubling issue. Under this new law, if a child is reported for bullying, their parents will receive a written notice. Should the same child engage in bullying again within 90 days of that warning, the parents will incur a fine. Police Chief Mark Thompson, who drafted the ordinance, emphasized, “It’s not the school’s job to raise children. Schools are for education, while the responsibility of parenting lies squarely on the shoulders of parents.”
Initially, the ordinance offers a warning along with resources to help parents address the situation. Thompson stated, “If parents are unsure how to proceed, we’re here to provide guidance on available resources. Kids do get into disputes, but when a child is intentionally cruel repeatedly, that’s when we step in.” This proactive approach aims to equip parents with the tools needed to curb their children’s bullying behavior rather than simply penalizing them. In many instances, parents may not know how to intervene effectively, and support could be invaluable. In other cases, a lack of discipline at home might necessitate such fines as an appropriate measure.
Personally, I resonate with this issue on a profound level. My children have faced bullying this school year, particularly on the school bus, and it always seems to be the same offenders. I recently met the mother of one of the bullies, and it was clear she didn’t acknowledge the problem or plan to discipline her daughter for her actions that left my child in tears week after week. Thankfully, the school principal and bus driver have devised a strategy to keep these girls away from my daughter, but I’ve learned that the bullies are now targeting other kids as well. In situations like this, fining the parents for their unwillingness to address their children’s behavior might not be such a terrible idea. Schools can only do so much when there’s little enforcement at home.
We are finally reaching a societal consensus that bullying is unacceptable and not just a “rite of passage” for children, as it was once perceived. It’s crucial for parents to step up and impose discipline for bullying behaviors; if they fail to do so, intervention is necessary. Other children should not suffer because of someone else’s choice to overlook their child’s harmful actions. It’s simply not fair for kids to feel unsafe in their own schools.
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In summary, holding parents accountable for their children’s bullying behaviors through fines might just be the necessary step to foster responsibility and intervention. This approach could not only protect the victims but also promote a healthier community for all children.
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