Mama Bear Ain't Scared

A mother sends Little Jane, her 4th grader, to school with an expensive piece of electronic equipment. On Friday afternoon, Little Johnny, a 6th grader, asks to borrow Little Jane's expensive smart phone to shoot a video on the school bus. Little Jane says yes and hands it over. Little Johnny then accidentally drops the phone, which causes a big ol' crack in the screen. Who's to blame? Little Johnny for the accident? Little Jane for allowing Little Johnny to use her phone in the first place? Little Jane's mother for trusting a 4th grader with an expensive piece of electronic equipment at school? All of the above? Who should be financially responsible for the broken phone?


Well, Little Johnny's mother got an email from the Principal today:

Dear Parents,

Little Johnny informed me today that you have decided not to reimburse Little Jane's parents for the phone he broke on Friday. I asked him to have you put that in writing so that I could have a record. The phone is unfortunately smashed at the top and should be replaced, but Little Jane's mother told me that she did not want any trouble, so I am not pursuing this, other than getting your statement in writing. I hope, however, that there has been some consequence at home for his actions. Even though I do believe this was accidental, there is still a broken phone.

Sincerely,

Principal Priss

Little Johnny's Mother wrote back: 

Miss Priss,

I'm not going to pay for the phone for a few reasons. Firstly, it was an accident and they should have insurance (on an expensive piece of electronic equipment belonging to a fourth grader) which would cover any repairs. Little Johnny does not have a cell phone, much less a smart phone, because children at this age do not need one, nor are they generally responsible enough to take care of them. If Little Johnny loaned his Kindle to another child at school, for instance, and that child broke it, I would hold Little Johnny responsible for said breakage and never dream of asking that child's parent to pay for the damage. I'm sorry that Little Jane's phone is broken but hopefully she'll also learn from this experience and think twice before she allows other kids to play with her toys. That being said, we have already dealt with Little Johnny about this situation. 

Thanks,

Mr. & Mrs. Little Johnny