To write to the teacher about kid putting other kid in stranglehold?

[catastrophickitchen]

I'm worried I've been a bit dramatic. My teenager has come home today and told me that a lad in her class (we're talking 15 years old) has in a fit of rage put his arm around another kid's neck in a wrestling stranglehold (so person's chin is in line with crook of elbow). It's the second time this term this lad has done this when angered (he's a sore loser and loses his rag with very little prompting). I've written to the class teacher as I wanted to make them aware in case he hadn't heard about either incident. Am I being a drama lama?

Written or emailed?

Messaged through the school/parent contact system.

Absolutely not. We just expelled someone for a similar move. It needs addressing.

Good on you. Something like that could lead to serious injuries. Hopefully the school will act on it.

I was trying to find any information or a credible article on the risks - would anyone know of one? It might be useful to have.

Thank you for responding. I was doubting myself!

Yanbu. You were right to bring it to their attention in case they weren’t aware.

YANBU. As a parent, I have several times contacted the school my kids attend to let them know about incidents which compromised pupils safety.

I'd forward the email to the headteacher, safeguarding lead and chair of governors as well tbh. I think this needs escalating further up the chain fast before someone gets hurt or the school tries to brush it under the carpet.

Not heard a thing back yet. School term finishes here on 27 June and I happen to know this lad is moving schools. I do not have high hopes of anything being done. He's 15 though - not far off adulthood and certainly old enough to understand the risks of what's he doing. Honest to God, what if he's a story in the newspaper in the future???

Well I think you are doing the right thing, but:

School term finishes here on 27 June and I happen to know this lad is moving schools.

Given the above, don't you think it most likely the school will just sit on their hands and think "Only our problem for another week."

5foot5

I wouldn't be at all surprised! Not sure what else can be done...

YADNBU but you'll likely get the apologiser hand-wringers along, worried about the 'poor violent child and how 'every behaviour is communication..' and how he's the real victim...

I'd report him anonymously to the police if you don't hear anything back by Wednesday. It is the weekend so give it a few more days and then tip off the police so at least he's on their radar. They can go and speak to him and his parents especially if the school doesn't do anything further.