Need advice from moms of older kids- bully related

My DS is 9 and in 4th grade. Until a few months ago he has flown under the radar at school. Not picked on but not super popular, great group of friends, etc.

About 2 months ago, a notable bully in school started picking on him. Pushing, hitting, name calling, etc. It seems to be escalating. The spring concert was last night and the day before it the kid told him that if Nick sang in the concert he would beat him up. Nick sang anyway Then today my extremely innocent 9 year old kid came home asking me what "a waste of sperm" was because this kid hit him in the hall and called him that. At this point, I've kind of had it.

Now, I am not one to call the school. In Nick's 5 years of school, I have called the teacher maybe 2-3 times, always about assignments, asnd have never called a principal. I believe strongly that kids need to work out their own differences. When parents step in too much the child does not learn to cope with situations and people. I saw this TOO MUCH teaching high school.

However, this seems to have gone above and beyond what my son can deal with, and I'm thinking maybe it's time to step in.

Any advice???

Message edited 5/4/2010 5:32:30 PM.

Re: Need advice from moms of older kids- bully related

Reading this made my blood boil. I swear my teeth are clenched.

My heart goes out to you and your son.



I would notify the school immediately and request a meeting with his parents and school officials.

I doubt your son is his only victim.

I have zero tolerance for bullying, especially young, precious children...

Re: Need advice from moms of older kids- bully related

I have no advice as my DC are much younger but that little boy is lucky he didn't say that to my kid!
As much as I agree with you, you do need to inform the school that this child is bullying your child. They may very well not be aware that it is happening and it could turn more violent than a few words int he hall and a slight push. Good for your son for still singing in the concert and not letting the bully "win" that one but I do fear that it will turn worse, rather than better.
Also, where do children learn this stuff from. I am assuming the bully is the same age? 9 years old and acting this way! Sad, so very sad

Re: Need advice from moms of older kids- bully related

The bully is 10 but I can't believe the language either. My DS knows what sperm is and the mechanics of s e x but didn't understand how sperm could be a "waste."

Re: Need advice from moms of older kids- bully related

Call the school immediately.

Most schools have a zero tolerance policy relevant to threats and bullying.

They can help this other child. Bullies.. they often have a lot of challenges. You would be doing a disservice NOT to report this issue.