Social media stir as mum highlights bullying issues around brand preferences

A mother has raised concerns about the impact of brand preferences on children after her nine-year-old daughter faced bullying at school over her choice of a more affordable Stanley cup. Dayna Motycka, known as @dayna_motychka on TikTok, shared her experience, shedding light on the pressures children face regarding popular brands and the role parents play in shaping their attitudes.

In a heartfelt video posted on TikTok earlier this month, Dayna expressed her disappointment after her daughter was allegedly bullied for having a Walmart-bought Stanley cup instead of the more expensive original. The video quickly gained traction, sparking discussions about societal expectations and parental influence.

Dayna revealed that she opted for a budget-friendly Walmart Cup, priced at $9.98, as a Christmas gift for her daughter, who had expressed admiration for its cuteness. Unfortunately, some classmates reportedly made her daughter feel inferior, emphasizing that her cup was not an authentic Stanley.

Addressing the issue, Dayna questioned the necessity for nine-year-olds to own a particular brand and shared her stance on not succumbing to the pressure of acquiring every new edition. She stressed the importance of teaching children the value of earning and working for possessions rather than having everything handed to them.

Despite Dayna’s reluctance to engage in the rat race for the latest branded items, she admitted purchasing a $35, 30-ounce Stanley cup for her daughter to prevent her from feeling left out. The video touched on the larger problem of children bullying their peers based on material possessions and the role parents play in perpetuating such behavior.

Dayna urged parents to reflect on what they are teaching their children, emphasizing the need to discourage kids from making others feel inferior due to their possessions. The video initiated a broader conversation about societal expectations, bullying, and the responsibility parents bear in shaping their children’s attitudes.

As the story gained traction on social media, discussions surrounding brand pressures among children and parental influence have taken center stage.  

If you’ve been affected by bullying and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Bullying UK (part of Family Lives) on 0808 800 2222. The helpline service is open 9 am–9 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am–3 pm Saturday and Sunday.