04/08/2021
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/teen-cheerleaders-snapchat-brings-supreme-court-clash-schools/story?id=76396105
Parents - Are you aware?
Prior to discipline comes proper conduct & etiquette training. This is where parents, myself included, have failed. Children’s conduct in public is a direct reflection of what they learn - more so what we teach them....if we don't someone else does. This is a case study on how parents could avoid such escalations.
Regret but no apology. That's in fact a kind description as her words when asked if she regretted it were actually, "thinking back I probably shouldn't have done it".
That is the mindset of this teenager for using vulgar language via Snapchat, outside of school, expressing her discontent for not making the varsity cut for cheerleading as a freshman. This seemingly innocent event is far from it.....in fact, it is so significant it's on its way to the United States Supreme Court.
Her message read: "'F school, F cheer, F softball, F everything.'"
There is a lot to unpack here so let's begin.
Is 'regret but no apology' the type of attitude parents find acceptable of their children? Do you agree?
Assuming you (parents) are ok with your 14-year-old being active on social media -
How aware are you of exactly what their actions are?
Would you be surprised to hear themselves describe their vernacular as vulgar? Is that what you want?
Do you think you would be surprised by anything if you were to go through their activity?
Encourage high standards and goals yet prepare them for possible disappointment. Part of going for the varsity team, as a freshman, is an awesome standard....and the other part is you are new!
What is the mindset we want our children having when aspiring to be their best?
Does part of that mindset include preparing for the somewhat difficult angles in which situations present themselves?....perhaps she was really good upon trying out but, still, a Freshman, likely less experienced compared to others older candidates.
Do you as a parent think preparing your child in this way could be beneficial?
Sure, any parent should defend their child when deserved, as her father did. Their fight is commendable yet the lessons able to be learned are invaluable.
All Aware is focused on preventing the unnecessary. We are very curious to watch the developments of this case as the legal implications are extraordinary.
In this case, this teenager's reaction to a life occurrence could have been directed in a private manner versus to the world. This is what was unnecessary....this could have been avoided. That is where we as parents come in.
At the end of the day though, I am glad to see this important matter being addressed. Being personally familiar with how someone feels when being bullied, by classmates, outside of school, this will be a defining case for education moving forward.
But, let's not miss the point(s) - PARENTS.
This sort of incident, generally speaking, is likely going on in homes in your neighborhood....if not your home. Biggest question is, are you aware of the influences prompting such activity / language / responses?
I'm not saying anything is wrong, or right - but do your children know what is?
If not, who is teaching them?
and become an All Aware parent.
A cheerleader's Snapchat post and the punishment that followed are testing the boundaries of school discipline and right to free speech in a major Supreme Court case.
