5 million viewers shocked by video of Chinese teen attacking mother over refusal to give money

According to SCMP, the incident occurred on Sept. 15 outside their home in a residential compound in Shandong province. The footage, recorded by a bystander and posted on the Chinese platform Xiaozheng Video, shows the boy verbally abusing, chasing, and kicking his middle-aged mother.

Security personnel from the compound eventually stepped in and called the police. Despite their attempts to restrain him, the boy continued lunging at his mother until the police arrived and managed to subdue him.

Illustration of an angry boy. Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Local shopkeepers who witnessed the altercation said the boy's violent behavior was likely triggered by his mother's refusal to give him money. They noted that the mother, who had divorced the boy's father and reportedly spoiled him afterward, did not fight back during the assault and asked bystanders not to interfere.

One resident later observed that the mother took her son home following the incident.

The video has sparked widespread concern for the mother’s future, with many commenters warning that the boy could become more dangerous without proper intervention. "He will definitely do it again. He is likely to cause even greater harm to society if he does not receive proper punishment and education," one commenter said.

"Where there is a kind mother, there is a useless son," another person remarked, referencing an ancient Chinese saying.