To ask if I should take this up with my son's school

[southerngirl10]

My 11 DS is having very recent problems with another boy at school. My DS has a very good disciplinary record at school, the other boy not so good. The other boy went to his parents and told them my DS has been picking on him and his friends, while I've heard the contrary view from other boys who are my DS's friends.

The other boy's parents have got involved and I've received threatening texts asking me what I'm going to do about my DS's behaviour. There was a slight altercation at school - the other boy put his face into my DS's when he was crying and called him a wimp. My DS kicked the other boy softly to which the other replied, "Is that all you've got?" I've since told my my son not to lash out no matter how softly.

The latest text from the boy's father states that if my DS looks at his son, he will come around and find him, along with me.

I'm now afraid to let my DS go to the local park, as this parent can be intimidating and protective of his son.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Speaking as a parent & teacher, don't engage, screenshot everything & report to Police ASAP.

Inform school so they're aware & can keep a close eye on any interaction between the 2 boys.

For now, I'd keep your son close to home. Of course you shouldn't have to, but better to be safe than sorry.

I would contact the police and also the school.

Thank you for the replies.

The parents have our phone number because we are in the same whatsapp group - the boys play in the same football team, which makes it awkward. I tried to reply nicely to both parents. I know my DS isn't perfect, but neither is theirs. They just 100% believed their own son and dismissed everything I tried to say. I offered the olive branch and then came the threats and texts of how my son isn't nice, is a bully and nobody likes him. I don't know where they've got this from. He has nice friends.

I would contact police and emphasize that you fell threatened by this parents towards you and your son.
please only contact school AFTER you went to the police. Yes, the situation could be not a clear cut at school but now it’s changed and you’ve basically received threats from an adult towards your child.

School first thing. They can talk to the parents. It should not be direct to you.
Police for the texts so it's registered.
Don't reply or engage

Wow OP from your intro I thought this would be a minor falling out but the threats you're getting are serious. Like PP I would definitely contact the police and the school. I can see where this other boy gets his behaviour from.

Please call the police then the school your ds is in danger of what sounds like a violent bully and he is only 11 I wonder where the child gets it’s from.

I would speak to the school. As a teacher, though, I'd also say that you need to make sure that your son is telling the truth. Parents always think their children are telling the truth, and the number of times that I have seen children (children that parents are adamant don't lie) lie to their parents is too many to count. Obviously, your son's friends are going to back him up. I'm sure in this case your son is telling the truth, but if I were you I'd want to verify it first. So often, parents are completely wrong.

The text should be a matter for the police.

Speaking to the school should be about ensuring both your DS and indeed anyone else is safe whilst there.

@rainatMoonlight I fully agree. I'm a teacher too. The 'soft kick' caused me to raise an eyebrow.

Police. If you don’t take a stand now these people will continue through school.