Digital creator and mother of four Bernice Saroni has spoken out about the safety of Black children in American schools after her son was allegedly choked by a fellow pupil.
In an emotional Facebook post, Bernice, who is raising four Black sons in the United States, recounted how her son was attacked from behind by a sixth-grade pupil in an incident that left him distressed and struggling to breathe.
According to Bernice, the incident followed an earlier encounter in which her son had accidentally knocked over a cone at school about a week earlier. The other pupil’s father picked it up, and her son apologised.
However, she claims the other child held a grudge over the incident and later confronted her son.
During the alleged attack, the pupil reportedly told her son, “You made my dad angry!” while choking him.
Bernice said her son was rescued by friends who intervened. He later called her in tears, explaining that another child had choked him.
“My baby called me crying, struggling to breathe, telling me, ‘Mommy, a kid choked me!'” she recounted.
The mother said she immediately contacted the school to establish what had happened.
She claimed the principal initially said she was unaware of the incident but promised to review CCTV footage. A few minutes later, the principal reportedly called back and confirmed that the sixth-grade pupil had choked her son.
Bernice also questioned the school’s supervision arrangements, alleging that teachers had been outside while the children were left unsupervised in the bus room where the incident occurred.
“Where were the teachers? Who was watching our children? How safe are our babies in school?” she asked.
Raising Four Black Sons in America
Beyond the alleged attack, Bernice’s account highlighted her concerns as a Black mother raising four Black boys in the United States.
She questioned why her children should have to experience violence and expressed concern about the treatment and safety of Black children growing up in America.
“As a Black mother raising four Black sons in America, I cannot help but ask: Why so much hatred? Why should our children have to experience this kind of violence?” she wrote.
Her concerns bring attention to conversations among African and Black immigrant parents about raising children abroad, including questions of identity, acceptance, bullying and discrimination.
Although Bernice’s account does not establish that race motivated the alleged attack, her experience raises questions about how parents can ensure their children feel safe and supported in their school environments.
“No child deserves to go to school and come home traumatised. School should be a place of learning, not fear,” she added.
She maintained that she would not remain silent when it came to the safety of her children, calling on schools to take their responsibility to protect pupils seriously.
What African Parents Raising Children Abroad Should Know
For African parents raising children outside their home countries, their children’s education is only one part of the parenting journey. Their social experiences, emotional well-being, cultural identity and relationships with their peers also deserve attention.
While not every disagreement between children is bullying or racially motivated, parents should be alert to how their children are treated and equip them to seek help when necessary.
Here are some ways parents can support their children:
1. Make communication a daily habit
Ask children about their school experiences, friendships and interactions with teachers. Create an environment where they can discuss uncomfortable experiences without fearing blame or punishment.
2. Teach children to recognise and report bullying
Help children understand that physical aggression, intimidation, repeated name-calling and discriminatory remarks are unacceptable. They should know which trusted adults they can approach when they feel unsafe.
3. Stay involved in their school lives
Build relationships with teachers and school administrators. Attend parent meetings, ask questions and follow up on concerns. When an incident occurs, request a formal account of what happened and what measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
4. Help children embrace their African identity
Children growing up abroad should have opportunities to learn about their heritage, languages, traditions and family history. A strong sense of identity can help them develop confidence and understand that their background is something to value.
5. Take physical aggression seriously
Do not dismiss incidents involving hitting, choking or other physical attacks as ordinary childhood disagreements. Seek medical attention where necessary, document what happened and formally report the incident to school authorities.
6. Watch for changes in behaviour
A child who is experiencing bullying may become withdrawn, anxious, unusually quiet or reluctant to attend school. Parents should take such changes seriously, listen without judgement and seek professional support when needed.
Ultimately, children deserve to feel safe, respected and accepted regardless of their race, nationality or cultural background. Schools, parents and communities all have a role to play in making that possible.
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