On August 24, two female passengers were caught on video locking a crying toddler in the airplane toilet on a flight from Guiyang, China to Shanghai, with the consent of the child's grandmother.
The incident, which took place on a Juneyao Airlines flight, has sparked reactions across China and on social media, with some criticizing and others praising the two women. The baby was crying throughout the flight, so the two women allegedly took him to the bathroom where they held him. CNN.
In the video, the women can be seen scolding the girl, hugging her and telling her to “shut up”. One passenger tells the girl, “We won't let you off the plane unless you stop crying”. The girl was apparently upset because her mobile phone didn't work during the flight. (Related: 'We've lost our minds': Airlines under fire after family removed from plane for child not wearing mask)
“If you keep crying, you won't be able to get out!” Two women get annoyed by crying passengers #infantwith children #aircraftThis caused controversy when, with the consent of the child's grandmother, he took the child into the bathroom for a disciplinary interview. https://t.co/XgydSuViNi pic.twitter.com/kMGTXdjLEy
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) August 27, 2024
The toddler finally calmed down after one of the women picked him up and explained why mobile phones couldn't be used during the flight. Some defended the women, but others called their actions callous and inappropriate, and potentially damaging to the toddler's mental health.
One user criticised the women, saying: “The poor child must have felt terrified being locked up with two strangers.”
Bring some toys, crayons, play dough etc to keep your child busy… the poor child must be terrified being locked up with two strangers 👎
— Maddie (@DMadaline) August 30, 2024
Other users condemned the women's actions as child abuse.
Child abuse! She is probably traumatized! PTSD, etc. Did you ask her why she was crying? Maybe her head or ears were hurting badly from the pressure.
Praying for the little girl 🩷🙏🏻🍀— Eagle Messenger 🦅🎗️ (@TheEagleMesseng) August 30, 2024
Various state-run media Echoed Following the backlash, the airline called for greater understanding and empathy for young children who have difficulty controlling their emotions. apologyHe condemned the actions of the passengers and acknowledged that the flight crew failed to stop them. According to The news was reported by the state-run Southern Metropolis Daily newspaper.
