My son was badly bullied at primary school and left with no friends and poor self-esteem at the end of year 6.
Since he started secondary school, he feels the need to be accepted by his peers by being the class clown. At his new school, he has made lots of friends who genuinely like him and want to spend time with him. However, he feels the need to keep up this new persona. This is having a detrimental effect to his education. At last week's parents' evening, we were appalled to hear that he is always misbehaving in lessons and answering back the teachers. We are concerned that he is getting a bad reputation at school.
We have spoken to him at length and tried to make him understand that his friends won't like him less if he behaves in class. I have also asked the school to put him on a daily report so we can monitor his behaviour.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? Is this just a phase or are we in for a long-lasting battle? Have you tried any successful strategies that you could share?
Thanks to all in advance.