13 y/o DS refusing school after being attacked and don't know what to do!

[Elise89]

My son was attacked by 4 boys while walking back to the train station after school the week before last. A member of the public witnessed the incident and called the police, who are currently investigating.

Since then, he's refused to go back to school and I just don't know what to do. I can't persuade him to go in, and I can't physically force him. There are no other local schools with available places for him to transfer and I'm getting so stressed worrying that I'll end up being fined or something due to his attendance, and I'll start getting into trouble at work as I can't come in to the office.

I feel terrible for my son and what he's been through but it's not practical for him to stay home forever and I need to find a solution. If anyone has any ideas please do let me know. Thank you.

I'm so pleased you've had success getting a new school place! He will always remember that you supported him at this time.

Great to know this before Christmas too, hopefully the break can be restful for you both.

I just stumbled on your post and was reading feeling horrified for you all. I. So sorry this happened to your son, my own started secondary in Sept and the thought of something like this happening is heartbreaking. I was so happy to read your latest update, I hope your son finds his people in this new school and is very happy.

Well done! And the best of luck to your son in his new school. 😊

Good news. At least others listened!

I'm really glad to hear this.

That's wonderful news OP, it's very stressful when something like this happens to your kids, you feel so helpless, I'm so glad you've moved him schools and hope all goes well for him.

So pleased to see the update! Hugely well done for having his back. He will always remember that you supported him and forged a path through. You are a superhero!

Excellent news. Well done to you both.

How is he getting on in his new school? Hope he's settling in well

So sorry this happened. Only thing I can suggest is if you have a friend or relative (preferably male and fairly intimidating) who could accompany your son to school so he feels safe?

You may want to read the OP’s updates, @ToadRage?

He is, thank you so much for thinking of him. It's so much better than the previous! He said he's not seen a fight there yet, whereas they happened every day at his old school

So glad to read this thread through and see your son has a new school and is feeling more positive. It’s a horrible thing to have happened to him.

also wanted to say a huge well done to you in your training, it’s not an easy thing to get a solicitors training contact & you should be so proud of yourself.

So so happy for you both.

Wonderful to hear he’s having a better time. I hope there’s still potential for counselling. To think ‘no visible fighting’ could feel like a school criterion to look out for

I'm so happy to read this. Well done for advocating for him.