Sounds like it.
We all conform to certain (minimal) conventions of normality in society, in order to get along and be accepted. But our betters have encouraged a generation to believe that it is society's obligation to accept no boundaries in individual behavior.
I'm not suggesting this kid was exhibiting behavior of such extremity that he deserved his fate. Not at all. But it's pretty likely he is of those raised to believe that societal norms (major or minor) did not apply him. Pretty much a whole generation has be taught that.
This doesn't teach children how to deal with things in life that don't work they way they'd like. How does one teach a person coping skills in life when they believe that nothing they do should be considered inappropriate?
A little common sense. Everyone picks their nose and scratches their butt at some time. But most of us know how others would react if we stood on our chair and did it in front of everyone.
Well put!
I would also point out that when I was in school, the teacher would have taken the stuffed toy away. Toys were not allowed in the class room and would have been called a distraction.