A video posted on TikTok by Savannah Glembin, a mother famous on the app, went viral after she posted footage of her husband pushing their toddler son, Gunner, around on the bed while wrapped in cling film from the neck down. The video was criticized by another TikTok user, @auntkaren0, for being disturbing, leading many commenters to express concern for Gunner’s safety. Eventually, Child Protective Services (CPS) intervened and took Gunner away from Glembin’s care. In response, Glembin posted a tearful video in which she claimed that the video was meant to be a funny thing her husband did because Gunner was trying to put a fork in the stove.
While some viewers defended Glembin and her husband, others criticized the video, saying that it was abusive and dangerous. Some commenters also pointed out that the video could encourage others to replicate it with their own children, which could lead to serious injury or even death.
Glembin’s Tearful Apology
In a follow-up video, Glembin apologized for the video and said that Gunner was not in harm’s way and was laughing and smiling throughout the video. She also mentioned that Gunner was out of the plastic wrap in under five minutes. However, some commenters were critical of Glembin’s follow-up video in which she said that Gunner was not in distress.
CPS Intervention
After the negative feedback and intervention from CPS, Glembin considered making her TikTok account private. She later revealed in another video that she does not earn money from her TikToks and that Gunner had been reunited with the family, although it is unclear how long he was in CPS custody. Glembin tearfully apologized for the video again and stated that they made a mistake but did not deserve to have their child taken away.
The Importance of Child Safety
This incident highlights the importance of child safety and how videos that depict child abuse or neglect can spark concern from viewers and lead to intervention from authorities. While it is important to respect parents’ privacy and not rush to judgment, it is equally important to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
Research and Studies on Child Safety
According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, an estimated 1,840 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in 2019. Furthermore, child abuse can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and even death. It is therefore essential to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect and to report any concerns to authorities.
In conclusion, the TikTok video of Gunner being wrapped in cling film and pushed around sparked controversy and intervention from CPS. This incident highlights the importance of child safety and the need to prioritize the well-being of children. While some viewers defended Glembin, others criticized the video as abusive and dangerous. It is essential to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect and to report any concerns to authorities.
