A viral video showing Garrett Gee throwing his 7-year-old son off a cliff at Lake Powell to help him overcome his fear sparked widespread controversy, with some praising the lesson in bravery while others condemned the act as dangerous and reckless.

A video capturing a father throwing his 7-year-old son off a cliff in Lake Powell has shocked millions of viewers worldwide, igniting fierce debate about parenting methods and child safety.

Garrett Gee, known for his popular family travel vlog, The Bucket List Family, posted the now-viral clip that shows the youngest son, Cali, being lifted and tossed off a rocky ledge into the water below as part of an apparent lesson about facing fears.

The incident occurred on a sunny afternoon at Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, a popular spot for outdoor adventures and cliff jumping.

According to the video, Garrett and his family were enjoying a day of swimming and exploring when the moment was captured. With an audience of over three million on social media platforms, the video quickly sparked widespread discussion.

In the footage, Garrett can be heard encouraging Cali before hoisting him over his head and gently tossing him off the cliff into the lake.

Cali’s initial hesitation turns into laughter as he splashes into the water, but many viewers expressed concern over the potential dangers of such a stunt involving a young child.

Garrett later explained in a follow-up post that the act was meant to help Cali confront and overcome his fear of jumping into water from heights.

“We wanted to teach him that fear can be conquered by taking the leap, and sometimes a little push is what kids need to realize their own strength,” he wrote. He emphasized that safety precautions were taken and that the water was deep and safe for such jumps.

However, reactions to the video have been mixed. While some praised the parenting style as adventurous and confidence-building, others condemned it as reckless and potentially harmful.

Child safety advocates have weighed in, warning against using physical risks as lessons, especially without proper safety measures and professional supervision.

The Bucket List Family, known for sharing their travel adventures and family experiences, has always promoted exploring the outdoors and pushing personal boundaries.

This incident, though, has brought their approach under scrutiny, prompting discussions about the fine line between encouraging bravery and risking harm.

In interviews following the controversy, Garrett expressed regret over the negative responses but stood by his intention. “Our goal has always been to raise resilient and confident kids.

We never intended to cause worry or alarm,” he said. The family also released footage of Cali happily swimming afterward, aiming to reassure followers of his well-being.

This event serves as a reminder of the challenges modern parents face in balancing lessons about courage with ensuring their children’s safety.

It also highlights the power of social media, where moments intended as private family teaching tools can become global sensations overnight, subject to intense public scrutiny.

As the debate continues, parents everywhere are reflecting on how best to support their children in facing fears without exposing them to unnecessary risks.

Meanwhile, the Gee family’s viral video remains a polarizing example of the risks and rewards of adventurous parenting shared on a global stage.