The Punch Out Game: Teenagers Are Abusing Themselves on YouTube

Dr. Phil discusses the punch out game with the parents of a teenage boy who is abusing himself. Not only do they approve but they think it is funny and tape the activity.

Dr. Phil tells the parents that his sons both were involved in Martial Arts training but that it was in a well controlled and protective environment, including protective headgear. He did not disguise his disapproval over their condoning this abusive behavior.

What kind of dysfunctional parent would think that it was funny to see their child punched in the head? This is what is happening in J.R.'s family. He wants to be an ultimate fighter. Part of his training is to allow others to punch him in the head. His boundaries are that no one is allowed to hit him in the temple or the back of the head.

Television and society has hit all time lows with many reality television shows. I believe that this has contributed to fewer boundaries and more violence. Children have to result to more extreme behavior to get attention. It is up to parents to teach their children what is appropriate and safe behavior.

I was dumbfounded to see the video of J.R. and his family. J.R.'s mother thought that it was hilarious to see his grandmother punch him in the head. Family members all took turns punching and hitting him in the head. He has been playing this game for over 5 years. After seeing a young man who has permanent brain damage after playing this game he says that he will continue to train for ultimate fighting, but he will do it in a controlled environment with a trainer in a gym. He will wear headgear.

The most horrifying part of this story for me is that his parents have gone along with this self-destructive dangerous behavior. Not only have they embraced it but also they have found it amusing. It is a parent's responsibility to want to nurture, love and protect their children, not abuse them. Watching the mother laugh about it and the video of her son's grandmother punching him in the head was almost as chilling as seeing him receive the punches.

I wonder when or if this kind of thing will ever stop? Sports are becoming more violent. Teenagers are putting videos on their myspace accounts and on U-Tube of beating other children up. Violence has become a sport. I am not sure what the answer is, but I know it is not parents condoning and engaging in violent behavior. I hope that others will learn from what happened to the young man on the Dr. Phil show who now has permanent brain damage. He cannot stand to hear excessive noise and will forever be affected by the damage that he sustained from playing the punch out game.

I hope that parents will finally stand up and say no to such violent behavior and hopefully there will be less violence in our world.