Son being threatened.

[ladytinkerbelly]

Hi. I'm quite new to this and have been more of a lurker in the past, but I'm unsure what to do and would like some advice.

My 16 year old son has been threatened by his ex friend. He says he's going to smack him. My son is being ok about this but I think he's a little worried as he's a nice kid and wouldn't hurt a fly. He wants to try to deal with it himself but I just don't know what to do. Do I go and have a word with the parents of the other boy? Do I ring the police or do I just leave it and see if it blows over and step in if my son asks me to.
Never had any of this with my daughter, who is a year older.

[PositiveAttitude]

Hi Lady, sorry your DS is having these problems.

Do you know the ex-friend? Is he the sort of lad that would be violent? I suspect that it is more words than action. From my experience 16 year old lads are far more likely to be violent in the heat of the moment, rather than a planned "smacking". If I was in your position In would chat with DS about some simple things he could do to stay as safe as possible, such as stay with other people and in public areas. Ignore any "wind up" comments from this ex friend and walk away. Your DS will probably know how seriously to take the threat.

If it has been a one-off threat, maybe said in anger, I would not involve the police or the school, but keep a very close eye on it and if it escalates at all, either more threats, or ANY sort of physical contact, I would go to the school.

Good luck.