I NC for this one but I posted on here last year about DD's social issues at school. DD (now 7) was severely bullied last year by a girl who used to be her best friend (kicking, name calling, hair pulling, saying mean things about her to other girls etc). DD is suspected of mild ASD but no diagnosis.
We weren't aware of what was going on until she developed school anxiety which was completely out of character. School got involved, little bully left the school and the country. All good.
Back in Sept she made a new friend in her class. They were very close, although I could see this new friend was very domineering and DD just had to follow her around. She'd not allow DD to play with anyone else and would pull her away all the time by her coat/dress/cardigan, which is against the playground rules. Occasionally she'd say something unkind, talk down on her, and DD said one day that she is not her friend anymore and she had to talk to her teacher about it. She felt alone again and with no one to play with at break time.
There was another girl in DDs class who never made any friends at school. Her mum was very worried about that and so I asked her to approach DD in the playground. They played a few times, this girl asked DD if she'd like to be her 'best friend' and she seemed very keen. She came over for a playdate to our house and she was very sweet, although a bit hyper and DD struggled a bit to keep up with her. Going back to school after that playdate, DD didn't seem to play much with this girl and said she couldn't find her/couldn't see her in the playground. I did notice that things have changed a bit. The last few week DD has been very upset again and after a bit of digging I found out this new girl is constantly harassing her, shouting at her that she doesn't want to be her friend, particularly enjoys doing it in front of a group. Yet, she still chases DD in the playground saying silly things and not leaving her alone. That's how the bullying started last year too. She'd chase DD and not leave her alone. I'm DEVASTATED!
I cannot believe we are noticing the same pattern with all these girls and I have no idea what to do. DD is a tall and strikingly beautiful girl, shines academically, but she has zero social confidence!!! The school reports always say that she is a pleasure to teach, her maturity shines through and she sets a good example to her peers, yet she is a constant target for bullying.
She's in an all girls school with 17 girls in the class.
I told DD we must stop this "best friend at school' nonsense and I'm encouraging her to make more friends outside school. She's desperate for social interaction.
I couldn't sleep last night, I feel lost seeing DD constantly suffering and being targeted like that. I know a lot of girls have a rough time at school but I think it knocks DD a bit harder.
Any stories/advice would very welcome.