Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

So my son told me that he is having some minor bullying issues at school. I so hate this...why do kids have to get mean at a certain age? My heart just breaks for him, he really doesn't have a mean thought in his head and some other boys in his class are picking on him (criticizing his work, telling him he is dumb, stepping on the back of his heels when he is walking down the hall, etc) I told him to ignore their comments, but we all know that it hurts.

I did tell him to stand up for himself and tell them to cut it out or they will keep picking on him but his self esteem seems to be taking a huge dive. I don't necessarily want to approach the teacher because that would likely just make things worse for him-any words of advice? He is pretty shy so I am sure that is part of why they are singling him out.

TIA

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

You need to take control and tell the teacher about this so she can reprimand this student. Usually it's the shy ones that won't speak up that are picked on. So telling him to "stand up for himself" is not going to be effective.

Schools have a no tolerance rule for bullying, so it certainly won't make it worse at school. It will make it BETTER for your son.

Message edited 1/6/2013 2:58:50 PM.

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

Thank you-I'll talk to her tomorrow.

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

As of July 1, 2012 the DASA- Dignity for All Students Act became LAW.

If this is on-going acts against your son, all of this qualifies. Call the teacher and immediately call the main office. Tell them your son is having an issue with on-going bullying and you would like to speak to the DASA Coordinator for the building. They were legally required by NYS Ed law to have one in place by this Sept.

All of these incidents need to be filed and a procedure, as outlined in the DASA law, kicks in.

If they respond to you like they are lying and/or are not NYS compliant.

As educators we have ALL received training on this. In my district, we were all required to watch in-service videos on it over two faculty meetings, a committee was made and one of our AP's s the building coordinator.

Good luck and definitely evoke the law.

Unfortunately, I not only speak as an educator, I speak as a parent of a DS bullied throughout Pre-K... yes, a private Pre-K As my second meeting with the principal I provided her a copy of the law. She just about passed out. Then and only then was anything done.

Good luck

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

I agree to call and email (to have record) the school. According to DASA, the bullying does not even have to take place i school for schools to have to deal with it...

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

Absolutely talk to the teacher...one of her (many) responsibilities is to not allow bullying...she needs to know

Im so sorry your baby is going through this Just keep on making him feel loved

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

I agree - tell the teacher ASAP! She is the one who is there and can keep an eye out. Bullying needs to be stopped early on otherwise it will just get worse.

Re: Ugh..bullying starting already 4th grade

Just an update on this-I reported the incident to the teacher and told her that if it happens again I expect something to be done, but for now I just wanted her to be aware. She was glad that I told her and of course has been keeping an eye on things in the classroom.

The kid hasn't done anything further according to my son, but there is another boy that when my son was talking to his friend at lunch today said "in other words you're a moron" to him. I reported this incident as well and my son said next time he will tell the lunch aide.

It doesn't seem to be that my son is particularly singled out, just that there are a few rude boys in the class that basically are mean to other kids when given an opportunity. My son doesn't seem to be too upset, just confused as to why they would say such things. He is such a nice, likeable kid it kills me. Well see what happens..