The town of North Tonawanda, New York has recently passed a law saying that parents can be fined and, in serious cases, even sentenced to prison if their children bully others.
Now the debate is fierce: is this a good idea or a step too far?
Parents can face a fine of 250 dollars or 15 days in prison if their children break the town’s laws twice within a 90 day period. The laws include rules such as violating curfews and bullying.
Big problem with bullying
The law was set in place after one mom fought hard to find a solution to the rampant bullying that takes place in the town’s schools.
“We hope to never need to use this law but it’s there in extreme cases,” says Greg Woytila, Superintendent for North Tonawandas school district, to ABC News.
“But we need to do a better job and we are continually trying to do that.”
Parents have to do their part
The purpose of the law is to force parents to be more engaged in their children’s behaviour. Now they could be held personally responsible if their child bullies others.
“In reality, what we’re looking for is to engage the parents in the process and try and work on a solution,” City Attorney Luke Brown tells ABC News.
But as you can imagine, the law has provoked mixed feelings from the town’s residents.
What do you think? Is this a good law that should be brought in across the country or is it a waste of time? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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