Playground bullying

[AT76]

My 12 year old child came home from the park yesterday and said he had hit someone in self defence.
He is a lovely, kind, caring boy and has never been in trouble for violence.
He has been bullied for most of his life because of the colour of his hair and his size and is being deliberately provoked every time he goes down there.
He explained that this boy was being very physical with him and shouting profanities in his face and he had asked him to stop on numerous occasions (he has witnesses). when the boy wouldn’t stop, he punched him in his chin!
I’m not condoning violence but I am proud that he has eventually advocated for himself.
He is now worried about going back, not because he is scared but because he punched this boy (he’s never acted this way before so I think it was the final straw).
My advice would be to go but stay well away from this intimidation and if he feels unsafe to either approach an adult, calm is or come straight home. I feel that if he stays away completely, they will be 10 times worse when he actually returns.
Does anyone else have any other ideas please?

I think you've given him great advice OP, and well done to him for standing up for himself after enough was enough! Like you, I don't condone violence in any form, but have always told my children that if they cannot get away from the situation they are not going to get into trouble for defending themselves.

The only other suggestion I can think of that might help at that age is to find out if there is a trusted friend who could be with him the next times he goes to the park until he relaxes again so that he doesn't feel alone against the bully. And remind him that bullies are usually cowards who stop the behaviour when they realise it either doesn't bother the victim or the victim fights back! Good luck. x

Thank you, great idea! I just don’t want him being in fear of using the park.
grateful for your response x