My 14 year old son seemed to have finally found "his people" after a few traumatic years of bullying. Of late his group of friends have turned on him and have been spreading rumours that have no basis. His mate knows the buttons to push when it comes to my son, and vice versa.
It all came to a head this evening when they were all online playing a game, I overheard the kids just all start calling my son "gay" and a "faggot" which he absolutely hates. He just broke down (no retaliation on his part) and left the game.
He is broken. He feels like he has no one. I dont know either or not to approach the kids Mother to discuss this (i know the other child had major bullying issues at his previous high school which caused him to move schools) it seems like this kid has become the bully at the expense of my child. I can't stand by and watch him break again. What wohld you do?
How do I help my 14 year old
How do I help my 14 year old
Posted in:
Teenagers, Tips and Advice
4 Replies
Contact the school, never the parent
Nothing wrong with a quick message to parent. Hes 14, most parents would want to know if their kid did that.
It always amazes me that as adults we would not allow someone to treat us like this but children are expected to cope with it in the school environment. Contact the school as this is not something you want to leave and hope will go away. Your son needs to know you are 100 percent behind him and do not let the school put it in the too hard basket either, bring out momma bear. The other option is to see if your son wants to talk to someone, not sure if you have an Headspace near where you are but they might be able to help give him strategies to deal with the bullying behaviour and validate his experience so he feels a little less alone. If he is breaking down this is already affecting him, please do not leave it. If he says no to help I know some parents seek advice from Psychologists etc. so that they are able to help their own child without the child having to see a Psychologist themselves, might be another option. Good luck and remember document it and if the school refuses to help, don't be afraid to email off a letter to the Dept of Education.
My son went through this, for 3months his 'so called friends' made his life hell. Parents didn't care so my son blocked them from all aspects of his life. After a year my son is still not the same. Think long and hard before you take any action, discuss at length with your son what he wants you to do! I regret getting involved because I think I made it 1000 times worae