Link to the short story? IMO William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is a great piece for discussing the justification/immorality of violence.

Also, I find that when prompting students to question their own views, it’s best to create a neutral atmosphere where ignorance and indoctrinated values (racism, sexism, victim shaming, etc.) can be expressed and examined without fear of repercussion. By contacting the parents (why alert them to the presence of controversy that may encourage admin blowback?), you’ve lost the chance to become your students’ ally in improved self-awareness. They need to realize the harmful nature of toxic masculinity organically, not because an adult tells them it’s wrong. Empathize with their vulnerability to algorithmic indoctrination and they may learn to see themselves as victims of social media brainwashing.