The account was shared by TikTok content creator Daiana Birollo, who said she received an email from the girl’s mother explaining what had happened and why she made the controversial decision.
According to Birollo, the mother said she was devastated to discover that her daughter had repeatedly mocked a fellow student because she had lost her hair during cancer treatment.
The family had recently moved, and the parents believed their daughter was adjusting well to her new school. They described her as respectful and well-behaved and said they had no reason to suspect she had been involved in bullying.
That changed when school officials requested an urgent meeting.
During the meeting, the parents were reportedly informed that their daughter, along with several classmates, had repeatedly laughed at and teased the young girl about her appearance. School staff said the students had received multiple warnings but continued the behavior.
According to the account shared by Birollo, the bullying had a devastating effect on the child receiving chemotherapy. She reportedly became so overwhelmed that she later attempted to take her own life.
The girl’s mother said learning about the incident left her heartbroken and questioning how her daughter had become capable of treating another child so cruelly.
Rather than choosing a traditional punishment such as taking away electronic devices or grounding her daughter, the mother decided to shave off the girl’s long hair.
According to Birollo, the mother explained that she wanted a consequence her daughter would never forget—one she hoped would help her understand, in some small way, what her classmate had experienced.
She admitted that both she and her daughter cried throughout the haircut. Despite the emotional experience, she said she did not regret her decision.
The mother also reportedly arranged for the family to visit the victim’s home so her daughter could apologize face-to-face.
The story quickly spread online, prompting thousands of comments from people expressing both support and criticism.
Some social media users applauded the mother’s actions, arguing that the punishment encouraged empathy and demonstrated that bullying has real consequences. Others felt the response was too harsh and questioned whether public humiliation could truly teach compassion.
Experts in child development and mental health have also offered differing opinions.
Childhood education specialist Claire Cameron suggested that sharing a similar appearance, even temporarily, could help a child better understand what someone else is experiencing. However, she cautioned that such a punishment could also be emotionally damaging if not handled carefully.
Cameron added that while apologizing is important, genuine empathy develops when children are encouraged to understand how their actions affected another person, rather than simply being told to say they are sorry.
Youth mental health researcher Tracy Vaillancourt expressed stronger concerns, arguing that shaving a child’s head as punishment may mirror the same misuse of power that often exists in bullying situations. She believes consequences should focus on accountability, repairing harm, and helping children develop healthier ways of relating to others.
Both experts emphasized that bullying often has deeper causes. Emotional struggles, difficulties at home, peer pressure, or unmet social and emotional needs can all contribute to aggressive behavior. For that reason, they encourage parents and schools to work together to understand why bullying occurred instead of focusing solely on punishment.
They also recommend open communication, counseling when appropriate, and teaching children emotional awareness, kindness, and conflict-resolution skills to help prevent similar behavior in the future.
The story has reignited a broader conversation about how parents should respond when children engage in bullying. While many agree that serious consequences are necessary, opinions remain divided over whether highly visible punishments are effective or whether education and emotional support produce better long-term results.
Regardless of where people stand, the incident serves as another reminder of the lasting impact bullying can have on young people and the importance of creating school environments where every child feels safe, respected, and supported.