How Could a Mom Do That? A Psychologist and a Survivor Weigh In on 'Unknown Number'

"This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. People - and especially parents - can't stop talking about the Netflix documentary, "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish," in which Michigan mom Kendra Licari cyberbullies her own teenage daughter, Lauryn Licari."

"Over two years, Kendra sent thousands of texts to her daughter and her daughter's then-boyfriend that were mean, vulgar, sexually explicit and even dangerous. In December 2022, Kendra Licari was charged with two counts of stalking a minor, two counts of communicating with another to commit a crime and one count of obstruction of justice, per an Isabella County arrest warrant obtained by TODAY.com."

"At her sentencing, Judge Mark Duthie said the case had shown him the "worst in human nature," according to courtroom reporting from The Morning Sun newspaper. "I can't imagine any parent saying such horrible things to her own daughter," he added. That is the exact thought of so many who have watched the documentary, which builds up suspense before revealing that Kendra has been the one bullying Lauryn all along."

Crisis resources are provided: call or text 988, call 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com. The Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish portrays Michigan mother Kendra Licari cyberbullying her daughter, Lauryn Licari. Over two years Kendra sent thousands of mean, vulgar, sexually explicit and dangerous texts to Lauryn and Lauryn's then-boyfriend. In December 2022 she was charged with stalking a minor, communicating to commit a crime and obstruction of justice. At sentencing a judge said the case showed the 'worst in human nature' and expressed disbelief that a parent would say such things. No public mental-health diagnosis exists; close contacts suggest theories including cyber Munchausen's.

Read at TODAY.com