YD has just had a week off of school following a viral tummy upset but she was very excited to be going back in this morning, bubbly and bouncy, just her usual happy self. Unfortunately there is a group of children in her class that say and do some very unkind things. Sometimes the harassment is in the form of verbal abuse, teasing and so on… other times it is physical. Since she joined the school, YD has periodically suffered both taunts and injuries – to the point that she has, on occasions begged us not to make her go to school. At 5, 6 and 7. In other words, she has been being bullied.
YD had experienced a couple of quiet months, but the bullying started again immediately after the Christmas break, in the dinner hall at lunchtimes. I immediately spoke to YD’s teacher and she moved her to a different table. I was hoping that her being off for a few days would have incentivised the perpetrators to pick on someone else but alas, not. DH said that he left YD on the yard in line this morning full of smiles but by the time she arrived at the classroom she was in tears. I only know this because while I was waiting for the children who I was taking out for hen club at lunchtime, several of YD’s friends sought me out and relayed the tale of what had happened.
As soon as she saw me in the corridor, YD burst into tears and clung to me like a limpet. It’s heart-breaking to see your child upset, especially in a place where they should feel safe. The lunchtime staff are totally ineffective and I couldn’t bear the thought of her having to defend herself again in the yard so I kept her with me. Her teacher is aware of what is happening as I spoke to her the week before last and she knew about the incident this morning.
After being fine for days, YD complained of chronic stomach pains all afternoon. She is not prone to hysterics or tears, but cried at least twice more today during the afternoon period in class. She has been tearful, distracted, argumentative and sulky all evening. All of this is a result of the persecution she is suffering at school. DH is livid and is going to be speaking to the teacher again about this bullying before school tomorrow.
We’re not over protective parents. YD is exceedingly bright academically and talented in performing arts of every discipline. She is a professional actress and model, and has always been extremely confident and self-assured. She’s not an insecure child, a cry-baby or sulky by nature. A move is looking decidedly attractive right now… although you never know what she’ll come up against in another school… is it better the devil you know than the devil you don’t?
YD had experienced a couple of quiet months, but the bullying started again immediately after the Christmas break, in the dinner hall at lunchtimes. I immediately spoke to YD’s teacher and she moved her to a different table. I was hoping that her being off for a few days would have incentivised the perpetrators to pick on someone else but alas, not. DH said that he left YD on the yard in line this morning full of smiles but by the time she arrived at the classroom she was in tears. I only know this because while I was waiting for the children who I was taking out for hen club at lunchtime, several of YD’s friends sought me out and relayed the tale of what had happened.
As soon as she saw me in the corridor, YD burst into tears and clung to me like a limpet. It’s heart-breaking to see your child upset, especially in a place where they should feel safe. The lunchtime staff are totally ineffective and I couldn’t bear the thought of her having to defend herself again in the yard so I kept her with me. Her teacher is aware of what is happening as I spoke to her the week before last and she knew about the incident this morning.
After being fine for days, YD complained of chronic stomach pains all afternoon. She is not prone to hysterics or tears, but cried at least twice more today during the afternoon period in class. She has been tearful, distracted, argumentative and sulky all evening. All of this is a result of the persecution she is suffering at school. DH is livid and is going to be speaking to the teacher again about this bullying before school tomorrow.
We’re not over protective parents. YD is exceedingly bright academically and talented in performing arts of every discipline. She is a professional actress and model, and has always been extremely confident and self-assured. She’s not an insecure child, a cry-baby or sulky by nature. A move is looking decidedly attractive right now… although you never know what she’ll come up against in another school… is it better the devil you know than the devil you don’t?
Complain all the way! Dont put up with it! I can not bare parents who refuse to believe their child has done something wrong...It really grates on me! Drive the school nuts over it until they deal with it xxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that Gini, C is one of the most brilliant and delightful children I have ever taught. Its a good job your working in the school. So that you can see the situation for what it is. I really think you should start writing every incident down and go in to the Head like you mean business, how many other children are suffering in the same way? x
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to ask to speak to head again, explain problem and let her know that there is BULLYING. Ask how she intends to deal with it as you would like action. I would also let her know that you are formally going to advice the school this is going on, and let them know that if there is any physical contact that this can be classed as assault no matter what the age of the child. Stick with it. Our school has a zero tolerance to bullying and it works very well, even the simpilist of name calling is classed as bullying and should be dealt with.
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