One-off incident - should I tell the teacher?

[Ktay]

DD1 (in reception) came home today saying a friend had dragged her around, scratched her and 'fiddled with her' (her words - think she means touching her annoyingly but nothing 'inappropriate' for want of a better word) while they were playing together at lunchtime. She says she didn't retaliate but informed the lunchtime supervisor, who apparently did nothing.

DD1 seemed more irritated by it than upset. I don't know whether I should raise it with her class teacher (assuming DD1 is right about the supervisor having let it slide) or leave it. The 'friend' has form for being rough with other classmates but this is the first time DD1 has been on the receiving end. Advice please on whether I should mention it to the teacher or let it lie...

If it's one-off, it's not bullying.

Ok thanks, perhaps not the best place to post and I hope it will end there. But does the teacher need to be informed?

I wouldn't call it bullying, but I would suggest advising your dd to tell a teacher if this happens again, or if she sees it happening to another child.

Thanks, she knows to tell an adult - just the adult she spoke to today has seemingly let it slide so wasn't sure whether it should be taken further. I will leave it there for now.

Well - the more times this sort of behaviour is reported, and the more children who report it, the harder it will be for anyone to let it slide.

Forgot to say - the fact that your dd knows you are listening, and backing her up, is so important - well done you!

Thanks again

You don't say how old your child is, but if very young you could tell the teacher you want this rough play monitored. It helps to teach your child to say NO loudly and clearly or STOP IT. Could her friends be around her more for a while and they could call a supervisor if it happens again. While not bullying it could escalate if the other child thinks they can get away with it. I know I am answering this late so hope it has all settled down now!

Thanks mightymouth, it appears to have been a one-off fortunately. Our nanny did the school run the following morning and asked the teacher whether the lunchtime supervisor had mentioned anything to her - she hadn't but said she'd ask around. Good idea about the 'stop it'/'no', I'll talk to dd about it (she's nearly 5 btw).