A British father has ignited a firestorm of controversy on social media by posting videos of his young children handling some of the world's most venomous snakes, defending the practice as a form of education.
The man, known online as @todds_life_, regularly shares clips from his family's home where his son and daughter are seen interacting with deadly reptiles, including a puff adder and a gaboon viper—species known for their potent, often fatal, venom.
'They Know What They're Doing': A Father's Defence
In an exclusive statement, the father vehemently defended his unconventional parenting methods. 'My children are not in any danger,' he insists. 'They have been brought up around these animals and are taught from a very young age how to behave around them. They know the boundaries and they know what they can and can't do.'
He argues that the interactions are closely supervised and that the snakes are well-fed and content, reducing any risk of aggression. His goal, he says, is to demystify the creatures and teach his children respect for wildlife, rather than fear.
Social Media Backlash: 'This is Child Endangerment'
The online reaction has been fiercely divided. While some followers praise the father for his unique approach to education, a torrent of critics have labelled the acts as irresponsible and dangerously reckless.
Outraged commenters have flooded his posts with accusations of child endangerment, with many users threatening to report the videos to social media platforms and UK authorities. One user commented, 'This is not education, it's a disaster waiting to happen. One mistake is all it takes.' Another added, 'These are not pets; they are lethal wild animals.'
The Unshakeable Dad: Standing Firm Against The Haters
Despite the intense criticism and calls for him to stop, the father remains resolute. He dismisses his detractors as 'haters' who are ignorant about snake behaviour and his family's expertise.
'People are so quick to judge without knowing the full story,' he stated. He claims his children have a profound understanding of the reptiles and that the bond they share is built on mutual respect. The family continues to share their content, standing by their belief that they are challenging misconceptions and fostering a love for the natural world.
