So, I had a call today saying DS was messing about at school and accidentally broke another kids phone. Unusual for DS to get into any trouble but he's 13, so can definitely be prone to being daft and thoughtless.
He was put into a reset pending the school investigation, so we're waiting to hear if any further action is taken.
DS side is that a kid in his class who he doesn't really know / hang out with our some sticky gel sweets in DS hair (this did happen as his hair is full of gunk), then grabbed his tie and ran off. DS moved the kids bag on top of the fence to go after him and get his tie. The bag falls off behind the fence, the kid drags the bag under the fence where it rips at which point he tells a teacher that DS has broken his phone.
The phone wasn't smashed or visibly broken, and DS didn't see any attempts to switch it on. All other kids there have given statements to say that DS version of events is true.
I'm aware there's probably more to it, I'd imagine some silliness and lack of care leading up to the incident. The question is what do I do about the phone? Would you pro actively offer to repair or replace? I don't know the parent but I'm sure they'll be in touch if it is broken. I also think there's a possibility the phone was already broken or isn't broken at all as no one other than the child who started it all actually saw the phone.
I've spoken to DS about handling these things better, walking away etc but I'm reluctant to punish too harshly if the other kids are all backing up his version of events - but equally I don't want to be a parent that doesn't see any fault I their child! For context this would be his first even correction / detention and he's in year 8. Never I trouble in or out of school but can be careless.