Son hit someone at school

[Username172828]

My son is in y4 and is 8 years old. I had a phone call from his teacher today to say that he had been involved in an argument with about boy during a game of football and he hit him between the legs. He has never ever done something like this before and even the teacher was shocked. He has admitted to it and apologised to the other boy and both are apparently the best of friends today. He missed his breaktime as a punishment but I feel he needs to have another one at home. He know he is never allowed to be physical..especially hitting someone between the legs . He's a normal 8 year old..he does have the occasional attitude and strop but this is so out of the blue. Any advice in how to deal with this would be very appreciated

No games for a week. Non negotiable. Then talking to try and understand the changes in his recent behaviour.

I would be concerned something else is going on.

I don't think any further punishment is required. I would have a conversation about empathy and coping strategies though. So, discussing with him how he thinks his friend felt when he hit him, how he could manage angry feelings in future, etc.

Oh sorry. I didn't see that update....

If this is totally out of character I'd be concerned about what else is going on.

I've asked him...kept calm..spoke to his teacher. He's great at school apart from that incident yesterday. Family life is good. I feel like he is addicted to this certain video game ..which is limited anyways but its a complete ban this week and this is all he seems concerned about.

Punishment unnecessary. A chat about deep breaths/counting to ten/reiterating how it must NEVER happen again etc. would be fine but it's been dealt Roth.

*dealt with

Oh sorry I didn't see the update either. Yeah that's a bigger deal for sure.

@Username172828

I've asked him...kept calm..spoke to his teacher. He's great at school apart from that incident yesterday. Family life is good. I feel like he is addicted to this certain video game ..which is limited anyways but its a complete ban this week and this is all he seems concerned about.

OP you might be right 🌺

My just turned 9 year old punched a boy who had been goading him and calling kids names and he got excluded for a day and half!

Playing fortnite by any chance?

Makes my 9 year old very aggressive

I wouldn't let it go unpunished at home.. No electronics for a number of days. I would make it very clear it was totally acceptable. Never to embarrass me with that phone call again. My DM would likely have similar conversation.

I would then spend the electronic free time trying to work out if issue and how to deal with emotions.

They do see an awful lot of stuff on YouTube like Roblox, where the characters were beating up another one and kicking him on the ground. I was pretty horrified but not a lot you can do if all the friends see this stuff too.