How can I help him?

[Smilingbuttired]

My 11yo son has had a tough year. His best friend from school turned on him and started bullying him last November, he encouraged other kids to run away from my son at school and not let him join in and made horrible comments about his appearance. Unfortunately they’re both on the same football team so it happened there too. I approached this kids mum who used to be my friend but is the type to refuse to believe her angel would ever do such a thing. His school have been amazing and really helped the situation but my son is now really down and anxious about starting high school in September. This other kid is going to the same one and my son is terrified it’s going to happen there too. I’m doing my best to reassure him, I’ve also informed the new school of the situation. I keep taking him out for nice walks just us so we can talk and he can tell me how he’s feeling but it’s heartbreaking seeing him this low.

any advice?

A very difficult situation. As well as reassuring your son, you could talk to him about strategies to manage any bullying that happens. Have you spoken to teachers at his new school? If so, tell your son that he should straight away talk to a certain teacher who will be able to nip it in the bud.

Teachers are in school a couple of days before school starts, so you could even arrange for your son to talk to the teacher. This should help a lot.