DDs friend talking about running away

[Bluecarrot]

I dont know how serious this is. Its a newish friend (they just started high school together a few weeks ago, I havent met the girl) . It could be an 11 year old feeling dramatic...but it could equally be a very real situation. She says her mum is always really angry and yelling at her. DD says her friend was crying and saying she wanted to run away.

We only had a minute to chat before dds lift came for her club, so I said Id think about it but maybe the school councellor would be a good place for friend to go and get some advice.

Now dds away and Im thinking it all through. Should I tell dd to give friend my number in case of emergency? If its a bit of drama, I could be encouraging her. If its not drama then Im not entirely sure what I would do if she called.

Hopefully theres nothing to worry about.

What would you do?

I'd suggest to your dd that she have a quiet word with their form tutor (if they're in the same form?) and say that she's worried about her friend as she was upset and talking about running away. She could also suggest talking to the school counsellor if there is one.
I wouldn't get personally involved, especially as you know nothing about the girl or her family. Like you say, it could be something or nothing.

I think if you give your number then you have to think what you do if you get a phone call saying "I've run away, I'm on the train to London." or "I've run away I'm coming to live with you".

I would err on the probably dramatic-I can remember having a couple of similar conversations with friends (them not me). But I remember being very aware when they said it that they were basically venting, and wouldn't do it. So ask your dd what she thinks.
If she's said it once, then it could very well be they had an arguement that morning and usually get on very well. "She's always angry" could mean "she was angry this morning for good reason!"

However, I don't think I could just leave it-moreso not knowing the girl or home situation. So I would phone the school and ask to speak to child protection/SENCO/head of year/form tutor-whoever is best. Tell them exactly what has been said, and leave it up to them. I don't think asking your dd to tell is necessarily a good idea. Other than it potentially being difficult if the friend learns she's told and then not confiding if there is more difficulties, there's also the potential for it coming across as a teenage strop, plus it isn't always easy for a pupil to talk alone to a teacher-and this would need to be not able to be overheard.

Thanks for the advice. I don't think dd should speak to teacher/counsellor but I did advise her to encourage her friend to talk to them. Also gave the child line number and told dd not to discuss it with anyone other than the friend with the trouble.

Fingers crossed its just drama!