Hurting is not flirting: Mum slams registrar who told 4-year-old girl that boy hit her because he likes her

WHEN a battered four-year-old was taken to hospital after being hit by a boy at school, the receptionist attempted to reassure her by saying "I bet he likes you".

Furious mum Merritt Smith took to Facebook to expose the danger of telling young girls that this is a normal way for boys to express their feelings.

In her post, she said: "Do not tell my 4 year old who needs stitches from a boy at school hitting her 'I bet he likes you'. NO."

She claims her comments were not intended to get the Ohio Nationwide Children’s hospital worker reprimanded.

She wrote: "I do not mean to attack the hospital or get this man fired. He genuinely meant no harm."

Instead, she aims to encourage parents to explain to their children that hurting is not flirting.

She explains that the throwaway comment perpetuates abusive culture, as she assures Joni, her little girl: "That’s not how we show we like someone."

Merrit-smith Facebook
Smith took to Facebook to condemn hospital worker's comment

Her powerful post has captivated the internet and has been shared over 30,000 times.

The vast majority of commenters have shown their support for Joni and her mother, with one poignant comment reading "love and bruises do not belong together".