A video showed a mother dragging her baby on a leash through an airport, and it sparked controversy and criticism. The footage quickly spread on social media and has prompted a heated debate about whether using a leash is an appropriate way to handle a child.
While some people have defended a woman from this viral TikTok video, arguing that her actions are common among moms and dads, others have condemned her parenting as cruel and neglectful.
The incident has raised questions about parenting styles and the appropriate ways to discipline and control children in public settings. Which side of the argument do you support?
Viral Incident Divides the Internet
Parents have long grappled with keeping their little ones from wandering off or getting lost in public places. One solution that has emerged is the use of child harnesses or leashes.
However, the use of these devices is highly debated, with many strong opinions clashing. TikToker @cacadoodledoo83 (Erica Shupe Hall) found herself in the middle of this debate in 2019.
Hall posted a video of a woman dragging a child, assumed to be her son, on the dirty floor by a leash—the footage has created a divide on the internet.
The Controversial Clip
Titled “Leaving Cancun is tough…I feel ya, buddy,” the clip gained significant attention, with millions of people watching and sharing it.
The brief eight-second video featured the song “Manic Monday” by The Bangles. But not all viewers found the clip comical or innocent.
In the footage, the woman could be seen attempting to guide the young child, but the little one seemed determined to resist her every step of the way. Undeterred, the determined woman resorted to a unique tactic, using a leash to keep the child close and on track.
The leash was attached to the child’s backpack, and the woman watched the child as they made their way along, ensuring they stayed together and safe. Despite her efforts, the youngster refused to cooperate, going limp and forcing his caretaker to drag him along the ground.
Clashing Opinions on the Use of Child Harnesses
Like this woman, some parents swear by the effectiveness of child harnesses, but many are vehemently opposed to them too. Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, who chairs the injury prevention council at the American Academy of Pediatrics, does not recommend using them and advises parents to explore alternative methods.
Meanwhile, on one side of the internet, users condemned the woman’s actions. Many online members were shocked by the footage and the position the child was in during the ordeal:
“Horrible parent. That’s child abuse.”
– (JennyLisg) May 8, 2022
“My OCD would not allow me to drag my child on that dirty floor. I’d rather pick him up, but I guess I’m different.”
– (Delicia) June 25, 2022
“There is a difference, in my opinion, [between] using a harness for the safety of your child and dragging the child with it on the ground. I wouldn’t do that to my dog, and I sure as hell wouldn’t do it to my child.”
On the other side of the debate, many netizens supported the woman’s technique for keeping the child safe. Users understood her actions and noted that it was a clever way to keep kids out of danger:.
“I’m not saying it’s right… I’m saying I understand! Show me a perfect parent who has never made an error in judgment or hasn’t done whatever they could to survive the day.”
– (Sammy Lee Richards) April 21, 2022
“I don’t see any issue with this. Although she could’ve probably carried him, he seems okay to be pulled along. If the kid were [distressed], he would have been making a scene.”
– (Shimona Jade Kennett) April 22, 2022
“I had a harness and leash for my five kids. I never lost them. They never got hurt. They were safe and liked the independence of not having to hold my hand. I don’t recall ever having to drag them like this, but I understand how it could happen.”
There are numerous points for and against using child harnesses, but one thing remains indisputable—the safety of children must always be prioritized
