Mum's warning after bullies attack sons at Bunnings
A Sunshine Coast mother has warned parents of the terrifying effects of bullying after her young son was set upon by a group of five children at a playground.
Kim Ganley is now speaking out to urge parents to take responsibility for their children after the incident inside Caloundra Bunnings.
Ms Ganley's mother-in-law took the two boys, aged five and eight, to the playground at the Bunnings store.
In a post to Facebook, Ms Ganley said the boys had not surfaced from the playground for around five minutes, prompting their grandmother to search for them.
That's when she heard her youngest grandson crying up in the playground's fort.
"He had been playing hide and seek with his brother when a group of 5 kids ganged up on him," Ms Ganley's post read.
"One being a girl around 8yrs who was telling four boys of various ages (possibly unrelated) to punch him and to pull on his shirt. He was punched in the head!!!
"Absolutely disgusting behaviour, and as you could imagine I am fuming! Thankfully my 8yr old stepped in and told them off but also got attacked himself.
"My 8yr old stayed with his little brother (I could not be prouder) because he was afraid the kids would attack his brother again if he'd climbed down to get help."
Ms Ganley said the bullies were not held accountable for their actions because her mother-in-law did not feel comfortable approaching other parents by herself.
She finished off her Facebook post by pushing for parents to teach their kids discipline.
"Parents need to be TEACHING, CORRECTING and DISCIPLINING their children. It's your job as a parent! You can't sit back and expect day care or school to teach MORALS, MANNERS and RESPECT of others to your kids. It starts at home.
"Bullying is NOT meant to be a part of life or growing up. It is however proof that parents are neglecting their responsibilities."
Bunnings state operations manager Margaret Walford told the Sunshine Coast Daily she was unaware that the incident had occurred and was "very sorry" to hear of it.
She encouraged customers to report any incidents to the Bunnings team so they can assist.
