yesterday DS (12, nearly 13) called a boy in his class a 'tramp' apparently because everyone does it and he thought it was a joke 
. The boy obviously didn't like this and put DS into a tight headlock for several minutes. One of DSs friends pulled the boy off and he was sent to seclusion for the day by the teacher who was near by. DS went to the college office and gave a statement.
DS's friends mum phoned me last night to check the story out as she was told by her DS that he had 'beaten up' this lad to protect my DS and apparently a group of lads were planning on getting the other boy today... DS said his friend hadn't beaten up this lad and nor was he aware of any plans to get the lad today... His friend is well known for being a drama queen, stealing and being a compulsive liar btw... and his mum works with my DH (DS's step dad)...
I told DS it was unacceptable to call people names and that it served him right for getting hurt by this lad and that he has to go and apologise to him today. DH (who is withdrawing from smoking, and trying to avoid the pub too this week) is furious at DS and thinks he needs a serious punishment. But I don't see that we need to do too much to be honest as its been dealt with at school and between the boys but when I try and say anything DH gets a right 'cob on!'