Upstate NY City’s Law Jails Parents for Kids’ Bad Behavior

What do you do when a kid won't change their bullying behavior, especially when punishing the kids doesn't seem to work? One Upstate NY city is trying something new: jailing the parents.

North Tonawanda, a city outside of Buffalo, has passed a new law that holds parents accountable for their children's actions.

According to WIVB, if a child is caught bullying, or attacking another student, their parent will pay the fine or do the time, according to the law unanimously passed by the North Tonawanda Common Council. The parent could spend up to 15 days in jail, pay $250 or both.

The law was passed in response to an incident during the summer, where a boy was attacked by a group of teens. Even after the police intervened, the group of teens continued to cause trouble. In response, the parents of the child who was attacked, together with other concerned residents, pushed for the new law.

What do you think? Is this new law a good idea? Is it unfair to parents? Could this work in places like Utica, New Hartford, Whitesboro or Rome?

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