Dad's punishment for 'bully' son, 10, divides opinion

A father's decision to punish his son by making him run the almost two kilometres to his school after he was kicked off the bus for bullying other children is dividing opinion online.

Bryan Thornhill, from Virginia in the US, posted a video to his Facebook page showing his 10-year-old son running outside in the rain.

In the video he makes reference to the ongoing issue of his son making trouble on the bus.

"Hey everyone, welcome to you better listen to your Dad 2018. My son has finally got in trouble on the bus enough to where he was kicked off the bus for three days because he was being a little bully which I do not tolerate, can't stand," he said.

"Therefore, he has to now run to school. We're right about one mile (1.6kms) from the school so all week he's got the experience of running."

While Mr Thornhill is trying to punish his son and teach him right from wrong, he also made a little joke about his son's running pace.

"The good news is guys he keeps up a pretty good mile pace, 6 miles an hour so far. Yesterday he was apparently a little rude for Michelle in the morning, so even though it's raining this morning he still gets to run.

"I just wanted to show everybody and give you a good little laugh."

• 'Mummy are we going to die?' Massive storms terrify families and spark asbestos fears

• Teen ‘repeatedly slashed in head with samurai sword’ in horrific attack

• Neighbours heard pet dog mauling girl, 10, left at home alone

Mr Thornhill continues on to say that he has had reports that his son's behaviour has in fact improved at school and he has been "much better".

"He hasn't got in trouble at school this week, whereas last week he was absolutely out of his mind. This right here is called parenting," he said in the video.

"We're gonna make sure that one way or another his teacher's are gonna be able to enjoy his company at school, he's not disrupting his classmates and everything else."

The video has been viewed more than 1.6 million times so far with many agreeing with how he handled the situation.

"Way to go," one person wrote. "Great job Daddy!!! If we had more parents parenting, this world would be a much better place," another said.

"I wish there where more parents like you! Keep up the great work."

However, many have also disagreed with the approach.

One person made note that while they felt the punishment may fit the crime, they didn't agree with recording the result to show everyone.

"The fact of recording it and showing it to world is so unnecessary. Have you ever thought maybe there is a reason he’s being a bully? Maybe something's going on with him," the person wrote.