The 35-year-old trainee nurse, married to footballer Charlie Austin sparks a debate about violence after praising her 16-year-old daughter for punching a bully in the face after weeks of taunting.
- Bianca Austin said how proud she was after her 16-year-old son hit the girl
- His post, viewed by 1.9 million users, sparked debate among his 11,000 followers.
The wife of a prominent footballer has sparked a debate about using violence to retaliate against child bullies after praising her teenage daughter for punching one in the face.
Bianca Austin, married to former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, spoke of her pride after her 16-year-old son hit the girl after weeks of insults.
Ms Austin, 35, tweeted: “After numerous phone calls to the school and nothing changed, today when being insulted my daughter finally punched the bully in the face.” proud mom.
His post, seen by 1.9 million users of the social networking site, had two clapping emojis to support his daughter, who is studying for GCSEs.
The admission by Ms. Austin, a mother of three, sparked much debate among her 11,000 supporters, with many backing her belligerence.
Bianca Austin with her footballer husband Charlie
Austin in action for Queens Park Rangers against Reading in the EFL Sky bet championship
One responded: ‘Good for her, she did exactly what needed to be done. Shame on the school though for not fixing the bullying problem when you first called them.’
Another said: “I’m usually a pacifist, but the best advice I got was don’t let the bullies get away with it.”
Ignoring it didn’t work; ignoring a fire does not put it out. If they intimidate you, fight. If you see someone being harassed, fight for them.
But Ms Austin, who is training to be a nurse, was criticized by others. One said: ‘Your daughter shouldn’t be hitting anyone, ever.’ I understand that bullying is horrible and harmful, but when I said that her daughter’s actions would make things worse, she can now see where she was going. Bullying someone into “hitting back” is also bullying.’
Ms Austin responded: ‘I would be interested to know how you would suggest a resolution to the bullying, Michelle.
‘The school couldn’t stop him, it was ruining his mental health and affecting his GCSE studies, what is the right course of action here? Also, she didn’t “bully” back.
‘Bullying is repeated behavior intended to hurt someone emotionally and physically. She has no bad intentions, all she wants is to be left alone to enjoy school quietly!’
Ms Austin, whose husband, 33, has been in the England team but now plays for League Two Swindon, also shared details of how her daughter was allegedly punished more severely than the girl who was harassing her.
He told how he called the school to find out what punishment was given to his daughter’s rival.
She wrote: ‘********* is on exclusion right now while the other kid is in class. I asked what penalty she (the bully) would receive and was told that she was only verbally abusive, but she’s not allowed to discuss other students’ penalties with me, so who knows.’
Later, Ms Austin shared more about the bully’s punishment, as she criticized the school, writing: ‘Two days of exclusion from school for my daughter, while the other boy went to class because he was “only” verbally abusive. . No wonder bullying never stops in schools… head up *********.’
The National Bullying Helpline says that if parents and carers do not believe teachers are taking satisfactory action, they should contact their local authority to remind them that they have a “legal duty” to ensure that all children in schools are safe at all times.
