There are consequences for bad financial decisions.
Not sure it makes one bit of difference as to play money vs real money. This article points out immediately that play money was involved.
My issue is that whether real or play, buttons or spoons, a child that doesn’t have the “currency” can’t take care of a basic bodily function! That is wrong and compounded by the fact that these are 3rd graders!
Think of a child dealing with the shame of “you peex your pants” for a long while. As you know kids can be very cruel and have a long memory.