US Barber punishes misbehaving kids with haircut

Three days a week, parents can take their misbehaving kids to the shop in Snellville, Georgia, owned by Russell Fredrick and ask for the "Benjamin Button Special" which he and his team of barbers are offering free of charge to parents who want to try a novel form of discipline.

The haircut involves shaving hair off the child's crown until he begins to resemble a balding senior citizen, inviting that unique brand of adolescent humiliation that can only come from teasing classmates and unwanted attention. Supporters say it is the perfect punishment for misbehaving kids who want to "act grown".

Fredrick, a 34-year-old father of three, said he decided to advertise the cut after he used the unique disciplinary measure on his 12-year-old son, Rushawn, and saw immediate results.

Rushawn's grades, which had fallen, "dramatically skyrocketed" after he got his old-man haircut, Frederick said.

The boss barber said he has already had one parent take him up on the offer. And there has been a surge of interest from other parents, especially after Fredrick posted before, during and after photos of his second "Benjamin Button" subject on social media last week.

Reaction has been mostly positive, Fredrick told The Washington Post.

"There are a few people that are saying it's emotional abuse; but on average, everyone is applauding the mother that brought the child in and applauding me as well," he was quoted as saying.