Ds has had long term, low level bullying for years at school (now in year 6), school keep it from being major physical violence, but there are constant little niggles, the odd bruise etc. The boys concerned don't let DS join in with playtime football, and try to interfere when he plays with other children. Playtimes are basically a misery for him
DS isn't a total innocent in all this, I accept. He does have a tendancy to act as unofficial policeman, can't resist "telling tales", and pointing out to a child that they may be doing something wrong, although we have explained to him that this causes bother, and to a certain extent he should just mind his own business.
We have talked to school time and again about these problems, they promise to do something, but nothing ever changes.
However, the bullying is now spilling outside school, and DS won't walk home from school, cos a little gang of 2 or 3 kids have told him they're going to 'get him' after school, a threat which he considers we should take seriously.
I have spoken to the class teacher (who is very understanding of our situation), and said that I really want him to get all the lads together - including DS - and try to get to the bottom of the issues they have. He says he is going to try - we'll see.
But I accept that the school cannot have responsibility for what happens out on the street.
Am I out of order to think about discussing this with our local police - would they just think I'm an over protective Mother?
Do I have to shift everything about so that I can collect DS from school every day?
Or do I throw him to the lions, and hope it is just empty threats (and I know that is quite likely).
I'm just counting the days until end of the year - DS is going out of area for secondary school.
Blimey, this parenting business is hard.