Dad’s punishment for “bully” son divides internet
A dad’s decision to punish his 10-year-old son by making him run almost two kilometres to his school after he was kicked off the bus for bullying other children is dividing opinions.
Bryan Thornhill, from Virginia in the US, posted a video to his Facebook page showing his son running to school in the rain.
He says in his video: "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.
"Therefore, he has to now run to school. We're right about one mile (1.6kms) from the school so all week he's got the experience of running.
"The good news is guys he keeps up a pretty good mile pace, six miles an 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.
"I just wanted to show everybody and give you a good little laugh."
Bryan adds that he has been told his son's behaviour has in fact improved at school and he has been "much better".
"He hasn't got in trouble at school this week, whereas last week he was absolutely out of his mind. This right here is just old-school, simple parenting," he said.
"This ain't killing nobody, this is a healthy way for a child to be punished, because it's exercise.
"Teach your child a lesson. You don't have to kill 'em, you don't always have to beat 'em.
"Sometimes it sucks for them, and that's what teaches them."
The video has been viewed millions of times already with many agreeing with the father’s punishment.
"Way to go," one person wrote. "Great job Daddy!!! If we had more parents parenting, this world would be a much better place," another said.
"I wish there were more parents like you! Keep up the great work."
However, there were many who also disagreed with his approach.
One person noted that while they felt the punishment may fit the crime, they didn't agree with recording the result to show everyone.
"The fact of recording it and showing it to world is so unnecessary. Have you ever thought maybe there is a reason he’s being a bully? Maybe something's going on with him," the person commented.