Parents in a New York state town could be fined or even imprisoned if their children are found to have bullied others, thanks to a new law.
Parents could be fined $250 and put in jail for 15 days, according to North Tonawanda City Attorney, Luke Brown.
They could also face punishment if their child violates the city curfew, or breaks any city law, including bullying, twice over the course of a 90-day period.
"In reality, what we're looking for is to engage the parents in the process and try and work on a solution," Brown told ABC News.
The new law has been brought in following similar steps to hold parents accountable for their children's actions in Wisconsin.
"We hope to never need to use this law but it's there in extreme cases," North Tonawanda City School District Superintendent Greg Woytila said.
"But we need to do a better job and we are continually trying to do that."
Credit: PA
Concerned parent Victoria Crago began pushing for the new law in North Tonawanda, New York after her eighth-grade son fell victim to bullies right before her eyes.
"This young man just sucker-punched him right in the face and hit him as hard as he could," she told ABC News.
"What really alarmed me about the situation was the brazen act of violence in front of a parent.
"It was really traumatic for both of us.
"I think that these teens have figured out that they can get away with this which is why they're repeat offenders. But if there's a tougher law in place it may give them pause," said Crago.
"We want the message out there that we're serious about this. We don't want anyone to be afraid to be in our city, or walk the streets or go to school," said North Tonawanda Mayor Art Pappas.
"I think it's going to get a message out there. That certain parents who haven't now have to take some responsibility for their children."
Just a couple of days ago on daytime TV show This Morning, a millionaire martial arts expert and former bodyguard to Michael Jackson came face to face with his former school bully.
Credit: This Morning/ITV
Matt Fiddes said that getting picked on in school inspired him to take up martial arts and eventually led to him building a successful career.
Ex-bully, Anthony, said that reuniting with Fiddes was awkward, but that there was no anger between the pair now.
Featured Image Credit: PixabayTopics: US LAw, US News, Bullying, Prison