Bullying

[BrambleSpritz]

A child in my son’s class has this last week been disciplined for bullying my child repeatedly. It all came to a head last week. Anti bullying policy adhered to and the boys parents have been in. The awkward part is I am friendly with the parents, go out for coffees, days out together, even a weekend away once, lunches and dinners. I would have thought the parents would have called/messaged to apologise for their son’s behaviour, but nothing. Am I being unreasonable to think this would be the right thing to do? The children are year 5. Even though it all came to a head last week the bullying is unfortunately still continuing so I think it’s going to become very tricky quickly and I’m not sure how we should navigate this without all falling out, which I don’t want. What I do want is for their child to behave!

I think you need to step back from your friendship for the moment. I don't mean have a confrontation or end it, be polite when you see each other about but quietly distance yourself while this is going on.

Who gives a fuck about falling out?

Protect your child - get the school to do something about it. Following the bullying policy isnt a fix if the bullying continues.

Amazed you seem to be bothered about falling out with the other parents - that wouldnt even be on my radar.

Focus on the school (not) doing anything to stop the bullying.

They’re not your friends and tbh they’re not good people if they are happy to let their child bully and won’t even talk to you about it.

Ditch them. I wouldn’t cry or lose any sleep over not being friends with people who raised a bully.

You don't say anything outside school, and while it is unresolved you would be better to have no contact with the parents.
Accept the end of the adult friendship and focus on the issue of bullying in school.

They are right not to discuss outside school IMO, you have no idea why their child is behaving this way and that's not your concern.

Get an urgent meeting in school and document everything in writing.

Is the bullying physical, verbal, being left out?

Of course they should've addressed it with you.
If you guys speak then how does it not come up in conversation?
When you say you meet up, are the kids there too? Do they get on?

As you see yourselves as friends then I'm a bit confused on why you never spoke to them first before going to school anyway?

Message them and ask if they're aware with what's been going on at school between the kids. (Of course they know all about it but I think its a good way to open up the conversation and see where it goes.)