PUBLIC OPINION > It's Not OK to Handcuff Kids
SodaHead News
2012/04/20 13:00:00
The parents of 6-year-old Salecia Johnson were shocked to find out that their child had been handcuffed and hauled off to jail on Tuesday. According to The Associated Press, while at school she "threw a small shelf that struck the principal in the leg, and jumped on a paper shredder and tried to break a glass frame." At some point administrators called the cops, and when the officer couldn't calm her down he put her in cuffs and took her to the station. This story has "controversy" written all over it, so you know we asked the public.
Sure enough, the results are just shy of a split decision. Overall, the voters decided against it by a margin of 10%, but there was more than enough support to get a toasty debate going. The real issue seemed to be whether there were any other options available. Those who voted in favor of the cuffing assumed there must have been good cause; those who voted against it assumed it was an overreaction. Some blamed the parents for not teaching her to behave in the first place; others wondered what the school did to cause the tantrum. There were a lot of angles.
Teens Think It's Terrible
Voters closest in age to the girl were most likely to oppose the officer's use of handcuffs. Maybe it's a little scary to realize just how vulnerable they could be if they don't act right. If a 6-year-old can get the cuffs, they're certainly not immune. Plus, they probably remember what it was like to be six a little better.
Parents Weigh Their Options
You might think parents would be more defensive, but they were actually more supportive than most. Along with voters who don't want kids at all, parents were split down the middle. However, voters who want kids someday were much less supportive. They don't know what they're in for.
Liberals Don't Like It
Yes, of course there was a political element to this. It actually wasn't as pronounced as it could have been, but conservatives were two times as likely as liberals to condone the use of handcuffs in this instance. Right-leaning voters frequently pointed out that handcuffs are merely a restraint, and not physically damaging. At least they didn't tase her.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about handcuffing children. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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fluer 2012/04/20 17:00:46
+16As a teacher who has had students out of control I can only assume this child was really out there badly. In the last 8 years we have only had to call the police one time and in that case they did haul the kiddo off to jail I think in cuffs. I guess they could have put her in a jacket, but if you stop and consider that she had already shown the inclination to injure and then destroy property could they let her go until she calmed down and potentially risk injury to another student or more property damage? Kiddo needed to be stopped to protect the rest of her peers and the staff from her destructive behavior. Do I like to consider this no, but in the real world where no one from the school can lay a hand on her without facing the very real possibility of a lawsuit the options are limited. Kiddo needs help but she also needs to learn there are consequences to actions. Sad all the way around.
Congratulations!
i wish more parents felt that way. Unfortunately, too many don't........
and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.
they are using gun forces too often as well.
There are great risks when using restraint on a out of control indiviual, no matter age, nor size.
Trust me when I tell you, handcuffs really are the safest, least restrictive option.
The sad fact of the matter is that kids are becoming increasly more violent and engaging in dangerous activities at a very young age. And since parents are allowing and enabling and excusing bad behaviors at a young age because "kids are just kids", these kids are escalating to the point of no return. When...
The sad fact of the matter is that kids are becoming increasly more violent and engaging in dangerous activities at a very young age. And since parents are allowing and enabling and excusing bad behaviors at a young age because "kids are just kids", these kids are escalating to the point of no return. When I have to deal with 8, 9 and 10 year old kids who commit strong armed robbery, extortion, bullying, assault and battery, and trying to be gang memebers, there is a MAJOR problem. Especially when their parents make excuses for and condone these behaviors, Sometimes extremes measures are necessary to send a message, not just to the kids, but to their parents, that while maybe they like their child to be a spoiled, out of control brat at home, society will not tolerate what they do.
Too many kids are ending up dead or in jail. the numbers are staggering, thats' a fact, yet no one seems too concern about it. We should all be very ashamed that we show more care and compassion toward kids before they are born, and even for animals (PETA) than we do when they are here.
Just one little comment though, I do believe in "pro Choice" and wish more people would realistically view themselves to decide if they really should be parents.
I applaud your career choice as it must be challenging. And I stand corrected, thank you for your comments now and anytime !
Not if we keep on the path we are on currently... I do agree that people really need to start thinking about what it means, and what it entails, to be a good parent before doing so. I also think that if you need a license to catch a fish, and drive a car, all people should be tested before considering bringing a kid into this world...... But that's just me ; )
Thanks again, and peace be with you.
I'll make a deal with you, raise your kid to be a productive non disruptive member of society, and i won't egg the officer on to taze her repeatedly for my entertainment.
I see it everyday, and something really tragic and horrible has to happen before anything "changes"
But as we all know, sometimes the more things 'change" the more they stay exactly the same. i wish people showed as much concern for kids, AFTER, they are born, as they do about them, BEFORE.. Nobody talks about the behaviors the kid was doing BEFORE they got cuffed, much less show any outrage toward THOSE behaviors.. Nope. they want to point fingers, and make excuses for. Welcome to my world. Actually, it's our world, but way too many think they are above this reality..
Great comment BTW. : )
I'm sorry, but i feel we've surrendered enough when it comes to the unruly members of society. Hit em with 50,000 volts, and repeat as necessary for desired effect.
Repeat the phrase "behave or get used to it" as needed to make it sink in.
my kids havent had a spankin in five years they are respectful and accountable for bad behaviour. the fear of the consequences is a big deterrent to bad behavior.
show me a spoiled bratty kid who behaves badly and Ill show you parents who dont spank. If you cant keep a child in line at 3,7.or 10 years old, what will you be able to do when they are teenagers? removal of xbox and tv. will do very little to a teenager, do you actually think thats going to do anything to shape a teenagers behavior? We are in the real world here.