What's the best way to deal with kids trying to play with something they really shouldn't have? Well, there are many schools of thought on this - but you really can't go far wrong with the old 'take it away' method. Simple.
But imagine going the other way and simply giving them the exact thing they're not supposed to have - and calling this a 'punishment'. Eh? It's more a reward for being caught, surely?
On the PlayStation two hours later than you're supposed to be? Have another three hours enjoyment and a good word with yourself. Don't tidy your room when you're told? Leave it another fortnight, as a stern telling off. Or, as in the case of these schoolchildren in Indonesia, caught smoking? Here's 20 fags, knock yourself out.
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Yep, it's exactly what one headteacher decided to go with as a means of 'punishment' and while the footage of kids puffing away on cigs is absolutely jarring and definitely wrong, the kids don't exactly look gutted by the whole thing. Way to go, teacher.
The group of boys - around 11 of them in total - were seen lighting up in the playground of their primary school in Sukabumi, Indonesia, last Saturday, 3 November.
They were dragged into the headmaster's office where they waited nervously, expecting a severe telling off plus letters home to their parents. School may seem like a long time ago for you, but you'll no doubt remember the ultimate punishment was knowing that your mum was going to find out.
But in a bizarre turn of events, headmaster Tati Maelati lined up the pupils and handed them each several cigarettes, which he then made them chain smoke in his office. Ummm, ok?
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He said that this would act as a 'deterrent' as they would feel the bad effects of smoking. Bold strategy. Think it'll pay off?
However, footage taken by another teacher shows how the Grade 2 students ended up smiling and laughing as they happily puffed away on the cigarettes.
The strange punishment sparked outrage from the parents who angrily demanded to see the headmaster. Not too many people wondering why at this stage, I'll bet.
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Local child protection activists and the local government representatives also complained.
Hopefully the headmaster doesn't continue working with this rule in mind, or they'll be on 40 a day like this little boy in no time:
Rapi Ananda Pamungkas, who is two-and-a-half years of age and also from Indonesia, got into smoking cigs by picking up the leftovers from his mother outside her stall.
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His parents initially thought this was hilarious - because what isn't funny about a toddler puffing away on used tabs? Aside from, you know, the whole morality and legality angles - but the joke began to ring a little hollow when young Rap, as he is known, started throwing temper tantrums when he wasn't given more.
Who knew cigarettes are actually addictive?! Bloody hell, you learn something new every day around here.
Featured Image Credit: NewsflareTopics: indonesia, Children, World News, News, Smoking