Would I be unreasonable to contact the school?

[PollyEsterblouse]

I was walking along the pavement this afternoon. Coming towards me were four teenagers in school uniform, filling the pavement entirely.

I walked to one side of them, the non-traffic side of the pavement, up against a tall brick wall.

The girl on the end didn't allow me to pass. She barged me, then shouted, "Little ugly bitch."

For what it's worth, I'm one of life's nice people. I don't go around glaring at people, looking to start fights. I'm chilled and kind, and did absolutely nothing to provoke this.

I'm also a physically small adult: I'm 5'2" and flyweight, an easy target. The girl was several inches taller than me, and I'm visibly old enough to be her grandmother.

Do I find out which school they were from? Is there any point? I can't name her, after all. Most of me wants to let it go, rise above, and remember that most people are good people, but part of me wants to stand up to those who aren't.

I'd complain.

My atypical year seven child reacted to something which was distressing her, by sticking her finger up at a member of the public a few months ago while on a school outing. I was horrified for a number of reasons but I am also glad it was flagged up to the school because it meant being able to open a dialogue with my kid about what had bugged her, and appropriate responses to things. Hopefully the school would have explained to the complainant that she is being assessed for autism and adhd.