Parents tie young son to door frame to 'Make Him Taller'; Viral video sparks outrage and debate over harmful parenting myths

A disturbing video that has gone viral on social media sparked widespread outrage after showing a young boy tied to a door frame by his parents, who allegedly believed the practice would help him grow taller.

The clip, widely shared on X, shows a woman confronting the couple after noticing the child hanging by his arms against the door frame. Throughout the video, the visibly distressed boy remains restrained while the adults argue around him.As the woman questions the parents and calls the act cruel, the child's mother repeatedly defends herself, saying, "Sharam nahi aati hai? Personal hai ye" ("Aren't you ashamed? This is personal").

However, the person recording the video refuses to accept that explanation, arguing that a child's safety and well-being can never be dismissed as a private family issue.

A harmful belief with no scientific basis

According to the woman in the video, the parents were tying the boy to the door frame in the belief that it would increase his height. She repeatedly tells them that they are causing unnecessary pain to the child in the name of a false belief. There is no scientific evidence that hanging or tying a child can make them taller.

Medical experts have long explained that a person's height is influenced mainly by genetics. Good nutrition, regular physical activity, proper sleep, and overall health also play an important role in a child's normal growth and development.

Practices like these not only fail to increase height but may also put children at risk of physical injury and emotional trauma.

Social media reacts with anger

The video quickly drew strong reactions online, with many users expressing shock and sadness over the child's condition.

Several people described the incident as child abuse rather than parenting and called for child welfare authorities to look into the matter.Many users argued that no tradition or family belief can justify putting a child through pain. Others said the most upsetting part of the video was the parents' repeated insistence that it was a "personal matter" despite the child appearing to be in visible distress. The incident has once again raised questions about where the line should be drawn between personal parenting choices and a child's right to safety.

Many recall similar childhood experiences

The video also encouraged people to share their own stories. Several social media users said they had experienced similar practices during childhood because of myths surrounding height or health. Some recalled being forced into uncomfortable positions or made to follow unusual home remedies by relatives who believed they were helping. While many acknowledged that such actions may have come from good intentions, they said the experiences left them feeling frightened, embarrassed, and emotionally affected even years later.

Their stories highlighted how deeply rooted myths can sometimes lead to harmful actions despite a lack of scientific proof.

A reminder to put children's well-being first

As the video continues to circulate online, it has started a wider conversation about pseudoscientific parenting practices and the importance of relying on evidence instead of myths. Children depend on adults to protect and care for them. Experts agree that healthy growth cannot be achieved through painful or unsafe methods but through proper nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, and a supportive environment.For many viewers, the viral clip served as a powerful reminder that cultural beliefs and family traditions should never come before a child's physical and emotional well-being. What may be defended as a private matter can become a public concern when a child's safety is at risk.