Culture & Entertainment

Using Facebook for Discipline?

Canadian Living
Culture & Entertainment

Using Facebook for Discipline?

Last week, a Wisconsin couple punished their teenage daughter for talking back by taking away her cell phone and—OMG!—posting embarrassing photos of themselves to her Facebook page. For a teenager, having anything to do with your parents can be horrifying enough; forget about having them broadcast their goofiness to all of your friends online. Similarly, back in April, an Ohio mom caused a media firestorm by changing her teenage daughter's Facebook profile photo to one where a red x is placed over her mouth and the caption reads: "I do not know how to keep my [mouth shut.] I am no longer allowed on Facebook or my phone." While this sort of discipline may get your teenagers' attention, whether it's the best course of action is debatable. There's just no way of knowing what response there may be to what you post on the Internet. What you thought would be an effective lesson between you and your child could be much more far-reaching if it goes viral and winds up all over the Internet. Suddenly, your private family discussion becomes public fodder. Plus, is embarrassing your child really good parenting? That said, it's a creative way for parents to deal with teenagers who are all consumed with social media. One thing's for sure, their child is unlikely to forget such a punishment anytime soon. What do you think? Would you use Facebook as a way to discipline your child?

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Using Facebook for Discipline?

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