A story out of the U.S. has the internet completely divided after child protective services (DCF) stepped in when a teen was found injured at home — and the mother called it “just parenting.”
According to reports, neighbours called police after hearing shouting and seeing the 15-year-old leave the house visibly shaken. When officers arrived, they found the teen with bruises and scratches — and a mum who didn’t seem to think she’d done anything wrong.
“She told them it was discipline, not abuse**,” one officer said. “But the teen was clearly hurt and terrified.”
The mother reportedly told DCF investigators that she was “raising her child the way she was raised,” adding:
“If my parents had DCF around, they’d be in jail too — but look how I turned out.”
The internet, as always, had opinions.
Some defended her, saying parents are too restricted these days. Others said violence isn’t parenting, and praised DCF for stepping in before things got worse.
One viral comment summed up the outrage:
“If your kid is scared of you, that’s not respect — that’s fear. There’s a difference.”
The teen is now reportedly staying with relatives while the investigation continues.
It’s a heartbreaking story that’s sparking one big question online:
Where’s the line between discipline and abuse — and who decides when it’s crossed?
