The popularity of smartphones amongst the younger generation cannot be overstated. Not only does recent research suggest that almost a quarter of younger children aged five to seven have their own device these days, but with social media and free-to-play games like Roblox on the rise, it’s also an important piece of tech that keeps them connected with their close friends as well. Due to how important smartphones are to youngsters, arguments can often occur between parents and their children over rules, boundaries, and smartphone usage. With that in mind, a 13-year-old girl from Wisconsin was caught smashing her parent’s vehicle with a pickaxe allegedly because her parents took her phone away. The startling footage is making the rounds at the moment on social media.
The video clip sees the young girl brandishing a pickaxe, and repeatedly smashing the rear-end of a black SUV with a Wisconsin numberplate. Sporting a pink t-shirt, blue shorts, and grey socks, the teen can be seen clearly taking out her frustration on the parked vehicle. She even smirks a little bit as she delivers the blows. Accompanying the footage is the caption, “Took my 13-year-old daughter’s phone away last night! Her brother sent me this video while I was at work!!“
The damage she deals to the truck looks pretty extreme, as there are multiple holes in the paintwork, along with large dents in the panels left by the impact of the blows as well. In short, getting the SUV fixed up is not going to be cheap for the parents. Thankfully, though, it’s largely cosmetic damage and the vehicle will likely still be drivable. As a parent myself, I wouldn’t be too happy if I received this video, however.
In fact, I wasn’t the only one who thought exactly that. Most of the comments on social media centered around a lack of boundaries for the 13-year-old for using such excessive force on the vehicle, especially considering the reason for her tantrum. One commenter on Instagram expressed, “I see a child who isnโt familiar with consequences” while another added, “The results of gentle parenting!” Many called for disciplinary action as well with one declaring, “Take everything out of her bedroom just leave the mattress and no tv phones internet“
This video serves as a timely reminder of how quickly frustration can spiral into destructive choices when emotions override reason. In one shocking incident, a young girl — furious over having her phone taken away — grabbed a pickaxe and smashed her familyโs car, leaving twisted metal and ugly dents in her wake. What began as a punishment meant to set boundaries ended in chaos, underscoring the importance of teaching healthy ways to manage anger before it boils over into irreversible damage.