to be angry with the other children in DCs class

[SpottieDottie]

My DC has just told me that other children don't want to be friends because they are scared they will catch asthma.
I'm furious about it, it's a horrible way to treat a child.

At 10 they are old enough, but I guess speak to the teacher.

Print this and take it to the class teacher.

All of the teachers in the year group are going to include something relevant in their citizenship lessons.

That's good Spottie. Progress.

I agree with WooWoo

My son has a minor disability and was bullied over it horrendously by two awfully behaved boys at that age. They called him a freak etc and made fun of his impairment. Luckily the rest of the kids were decent and didn't do it so it must be awful for all the kids to do it. Sometimes kids are mean but don't really realise what they are doing. But some kids seem to have no empathy and people excuse them due to behavioural conditions etc. Any bullying should be punished. Hope you get it sorted.

I'm with WooWooOwl. I don't believe that they actually think asthma is contagious. 10 year olds are old enough that they've probably met and been around several asthma sufferers. It's just an excuse for bullying and I think it should be treated as such.

They probably don't need asthma education. They do need to be told very firmly that their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Speak to the school. Make sure your DS has some stock phrases to say if it happens again e.g. 'Don't be silly, asthma's not contagious' 'Please stop saying that' 'I've asked you to stop saying that, if I hear it again, I'll tell a teacher'. And then follow through- either he tells a teacher or you contact the school every time there's an issue.

After stuff from today I will be seeing the head teacher tomorrow.

What's happened Spottie?

When I was about 7 I ran away from a girl whose house I was playing at because I didn't want to catch hayfever. Can't say I'm proud of it now, but I was ignorant not evil

Hi

just wanted to add my support for getting something done. At this age a firm word from the teacher, to the class as a whole, about name calling and taunting because of a "difference" and saying its bullying can shock them into reconsidering their behaviour, as they still mostly care if they are labelled a bully too.
Hope you get this solved x

I suffer from eczema and was similarly ostracised at primary school.

Kids can be very cruel.

However, I wouldn't undo it as part of my life. It taught me a lot about people and how to deal with bullies.

I'm not suggesting as a parent that you let it go, but also remember that there is potential for some good to come from this awful time.
In part because of what they did I strove to work hard to get out of their "domain". High school was a lot better for me, uni better still.

20 years on I have a lifestyle they couldn't dream of. For this in a way I am thankful - they spurred me on to achieve things I doubt I would have done otherwise.

I think you should tackle this head on, but remember that you can't protect your child from everything and that some bad experiences can ultimately result on good longer term outcomes.

Small consolation I know when you are comforting a distressed and alienated 10 year old

He doesn't want to go to school, they have been punching him and calling him gay and other things.

Thanks Yellow I am trying to keep that thought in mind.

Sounds like the school also need to address the homophobic language too? Its a shame it falls on the school and the parents didn't bring them up better really. Good luck Op.

Hope all goes well with the Head today. x

So it is a case of bullying rather than ignorance. Your poor DS.

When you go in ask for a copy of the bullying policy. This should be dealt with effectively by the school, otherwise they are failing your son.

Hope it gets sorted.