Cuban Influencer Tackles Bullying in the U.S.: "I Waited, Coquette Bow and All"

The Cuban content creator Lize Boutique (@_lizeboutique_) took to TikTok to share her personal encounter with bullying in the United States. She emphasized that, in her view, the root of the issue lies with the parents, not the children. "It's not about the child, it's about the mom. I'm not dealing with this now, but several years ago, I did. And just like this, with my coquette bow, I waited for the mom outside the school and said: I don't know if you're aware, but your daughter is disrespecting mine, and unlike yours, mine believes in words," Lize recounted.

She explained to the mother that attempts at dialogue between the girls had failed because the aggressor continued her hostile behavior towards her daughter, seemingly not understanding that her attacks needed to stop.

"You either fix this problem so it doesn't happen again, or I'll have to teach you respect so your daughter can learn by your example. How are we going to resolve this?" Lize questioned the mother involved in the conflict.

Lize claims that her direct, clear, and firm conversation was effective. The girl never bothered her daughter again. "It's not about the kids, it's about the parents," Lize emphasized in her message. She also dismissed advice suggesting that children should be taught to ignore aggressions or to defend themselves violently.

"If you teach your kids to look the other way, you're only prolonging the problem. I get to the root, and when a child bullies, the root of the issue is the parents," she confessed. While her approach was dialogue, she was ready to go further if necessary. "If it didn't work, the one who would get a piece of my mind would be her, but I didn't have to go there. (...) I don't advocate violence, but sometimes you have to teach some people respect."

Lize's video was a direct response to a comment suggesting she should teach her daughter to physically defend herself. Instead, she championed dialogue and leading by example.

Strategies for Addressing Bullying Without Violence

Lize Boutique's experience prompts a reflection on the best ways to tackle school bullying. Experts agree that early intervention and dialogue with parents are critical. Key steps include:

• Encouraging open communication with children so they feel comfortable discussing their problems.
• Reaching out to schools and engaging with teachers and administrators.
• Promoting mutual respect and setting a good example at home.
• Seeking professional support when necessary.

Bullying affects thousands of children worldwide, but confronting it with respect, firmness, and without resorting to violence can make a meaningful difference in building a more empathetic and just society.