A Louisiana mom, Brittany Norris, has gone viral after saying she teaches her kids to hit back if someone hits them first — and not to “snitch” by telling a teacher. In a bold TikTok, the 27-year-old said, “Defend yourself. Hit back. If that’s controversial, I don’t care.”
The video sparked a heated debate, gaining over 42,000 likes and hundreds of comments. Supporters praised her for promoting self-defense, while critics argued for peaceful conflict resolution and worried about rising school violence.
Norris clarified she’s not promoting starting fights — only standing up for yourself when necessary. Experts say this kind of parenting reflects deeper values about violence, safety, and autonomy. Some, like Dr. Deborah Gilboa, warn that kids taught to retaliate should also be prepared for the consequences, like punishment or escalation.
In the end, the real takeaway isn’t whether kids should hit back — it’s about having honest conversations with them about values, choices, and outcomes. Norris stands by her approach, saying, “Stick up for yourself.”