Shocking Discipline Method? Discover How a Stranger Dealt with a Crying Toddler on a Plane!

When it comes to air travel, we've all been there – trapped in a confined space, several thousand feet in the air, with a crying child piercing the relative quiet of the cabin. It's a situation that can test the patience of even the most seasoned traveler. But how far is too far when it comes to dealing with such a disruption?

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread debate and outrage, a woman took it upon herself to 'discipline' a crying toddler on a plane by locking the child in the bathroom. The story, which went viral on Chinese social media, has left many questioning the boundaries of intervening in another family's child-rearing practices, especially in public spaces.



The woman, identified as Gou Tingting, shared a video of herself and another passenger with the child inside the locked cubicle. In the footage, which has since been deleted, one of the women can be heard threatening the crying infant, 'If you make any noise again, we will leave you here alone.'


steven-thompson-cSGMQ7Meo8w-unsplash.jpg
Gou Tingting shared a video of herself and another passenger with the child inside the locked cubicle. Credit: Unsplash


Gou Tingting attempted to justify her actions by claiming she was taking a stand for the comfort of her fellow passengers. She described a scene where many were using tissues to block their ears, and some had even moved to the back of the plane to escape the noise. According to her, the child's grandmother was unable to control the toddler's crying, prompting Gou to take matters into her own hands.



'I prefer to take action rather than be a bystander,' she stated, believing her intervention would calm the child and allow everyone else to rest.

However, the public reaction was far from supportive. Many commenters were shocked by Gou's behavior, accusing her of lacking empathy. The incident even led some individuals to file police reports against her, with screenshots of these reports circulating in the comments section.

Despite the backlash, the Guizhou Airport Public Security Bureau declined to charge either of the women involved, citing that the girl's grandmother had allegedly permitted them to help discipline the child. Juneyao Airlines, the operator of the flight, confirmed that the grandmother was present outside the toilet during the incident.



This story raises several important questions about the appropriate way to handle disruptive behavior on flights, especially when it comes to children. It also touches on cultural differences in child discipline and the role of bystanders in such situations.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that patience can wear thin, but we also believe in the importance of empathy and appropriate intervention. It's crucial to remember that children, especially toddlers, often struggle with the discomfort and pressure changes of flying, which can lead to crying and fussiness.

So, what could be a better approach in such scenarios? Here are a few suggestions:



1. Offer Assistance: Instead of taking drastic measures, ask the parent or guardian if there's anything you can do to help. Sometimes a new face or a small distraction can work wonders.

2. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: If a child's crying is disturbing you, consider investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones for your travels.

3. Speak to the Cabin Crew: Flight attendants are trained to deal with a variety of situations, including upset children. They may have strategies or items on hand to soothe a child.



4. Show Compassion: Remember that the child's caregiver is likely feeling stressed and embarrassed. A kind word or understanding smile can go a long way.

Key Takeaways
  • A video went viral on Chinese social media depicting a woman locking a crying toddler in an airplane bathroom purportedly to discipline the child.
  • Passengers on the flight expressed discomfort due to the child's crying, leading to the woman's controversial attempt to mitigate the situation.
  • Public reaction to the woman's actions was predominantly negative, with some individuals reporting the incident to the police.
  • The authorities and the airline did not press charges, citing that the child's grandmother had allowed the women to take the toddler to the bathroom for discipline.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you ever encountered a similar situation on a flight, and how did you or others around you handle it? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let's foster a discussion on how we can all contribute to a more pleasant travel experience for everyone involved.
 
Sponsored
I'd be locking the grandmother in the toilet and give the kid an iPad to get into a trance with.
I suppose granny was at her wits end when she said, yeah take the kid and you deal with it.
It's probably time for noisy passengers, adults or kids, are put into a naughty corner together. Then one can cancel out the other.
It's a shame that so many people were made to suffer instead of a "trained" cabin crew member taking control.
I'm glad I don't travel anywhere, anytime.
 
The kid’s ears were probably hurting from cabin pressure and/or a cold or cough or some other ailment. Feel sorry for the passengers having to put up with the screaming but threatening to lock the child in the aircraft toilet was beyond belief. That child could have fallen into the toilet if it was very small.

Not only kids (& we’ve all had a crying child at sometime on a flight); I once had a Rabbi recline his seat all the way back into my space as soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off. He proceeded to have his snooze & my meal was delivered almost into my lap as the result of a lack of space (an exit seat with heaps of leg room for him). Airline crew did nothing to ask him to wait until after the meal before reclining his seat. Since that incident I have vowed NEVER to let anyone recline their seat while a meal is served and being eaten on a plane. I have actually asked a passenger in front of me to please put their seat upright during meals.
 
The poor child might have had ear ache from the flight. Maybe the child was scared, hungry or tired. There is no need to lock a child in a toilet on a plane. If people choose to fly they must expect there could be a child or children who are upset.
Don't be frightened to ask if someone needs assistance with an upset child. Sometimes if a stranger has a kind word to a child it might defuse the situation.
This sort of punishment has long gone. Well maybe not.
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Sometimes a different person talking to the child helps. Offering a lolly, reading a book or even your phone, if it comes to it, might be worth it for a bit of peace and quiet 🤷‍♀️ Anything is worth a try.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BellaB18
You have no right to take upon yourself to discipline someone else's child, let alone taking the child into the toilet cubicle to keep them quiet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BellaB18

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×