Kriti Mehrotra
As a documentary series shining a light upon the troubled teen industry (TTI) through the eyes of those who have actually experienced it, HBO Max’s ‘Teen Torture, Inc.’ is simply chilling. That’s because it incorporates not just exclusive interviews but also archival footage to really underscore how facilities that claim to help such youngsters often do more harm than good. Amongst those to thus feature in this original is Bethel Boys Academy survivor David “Dave” Bowsher, whose time at this institution changed him in ways no one can even imagine.
Dave Bowsher Can Still Recall the Alleged Abuse Many Like Him Faced
Dave was admittedly merely 16 in 1996 when he took up substances like alcohol and marijuana, unaware it would soon become a genuine problem — it wasn’t entirely recreational. However, instead of the juvenile system, it was decided he’d be sent to Bethel Boys Academy in Lucedale, Mississippi, an institution that did bill itself as a place for troubled youths. He did not want to go at all, which is why he would run whenever the topic arose, so it ultimately took five police officers, a bounty hunter, plus handcuffs for him to finally reach there.
Dave still vividly remembers feeling scared because there were all types of kids enrolled alongside him, ranging from those who’d gone as far as to stab people and those whose only issue was bad grades. Nevertheless, they were all treated equally; per his accounts, this involved them being pushed to their extremes while also being physically abused because “the goal was to break you down, make your life hell.” After all, according to the original production, the troubled teen industry believes that’s when teenagers can be remolded into model children who comply with every order without hesitation or questions.
But alas, arguably the worst aspect for Dave was the fact he couldn’t even open up to his family about what was happening to him because all his calls and letters were being screened by the staff. “As the years went on, it just kept getting worse and worse and worse and worse and worse and worse and worse,” he candidly said before elaborating that Bethel’s techniques also included repeated drowning and resuscitation, waterboarding, plus other such torturous techniques. Therefore, the only thing that got him through this entire ordeal was the sense of comradery he felt with some of his fellow teens, especially Allen Knoll, whom he still considers his best friend.
Dave Bowsher Now Appears to be a Dedicated Activist
While there’s no denying Dave endured a lot during his time at Bethel, he has never let it define him because he knew the only way he could ensure it doesn’t happen to others was by turning his trauma to power. And that’s precisely what he did alongside Allen Knoll — this Art Institute of Seattle graduate co-founded the Troubled Teen Advocate Group with him, just to now serve as its President. As if that’s not enough, they are also the co-founders of and producers at Bowsher & Knoll Enterprises LLC, all the while also doing their best to bring legislative change across the nation to help protect the youth.
In fact, most recently, alongside several fellow survivors, Dave gave a testimony in Missouri detailing exactly how the troubled teen industry is far from what people once believed it to be. Their combined efforts made a difference because the state subsequently passed bills that put proper regulations into place to help shield teens’ mental, physical, as well as emotional well-being. “This bill will help protect youth throughout the state from abuse,” Allen penned following Bill 557’s signing into law. “[This] happened because every survivor matters and has had the courage to share their story! Thank you to all involved. Special thanks to Rudy Veit and Keri Ingle for sponsoring this bill and carrying it through!”
Dave Bowsher Has an Equally Fulfilling Personal Life
Since Dave’s early experiences and professional journey are both quite public, it’s understandable that he now wishes to guard his personal life plus loved ones from any possible scrutiny. Hence, he rarely shares much regarding the same, yet we do know he’s happily married to a kind, loving, and caring woman named Laura, with whom he has settled in Seattle, Washington. The couple even share three adorable young children, with whom their father is proud to explore his interests in sports, outdoor adventures, plus ATV/dirt-bike riding. In other words, it appears as if they all love to spend some quality time together as a family.
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