Is this "bullying?"

[Anonymous]

DC is in 2nd grade at elementary school. DC's school is majority ESOL. Two of the students in DC's class are upsetting DC, to the point where DC doesn't want to go back to school anymore.

DC says that these two students are saying bad things behind DC's back -- all said in Spanish. DC also says that these two students go to the other Spanish speakers at recess and say bad things about DC. The result is that DC has few (if anyone) to play with at recess.

Is this bullying? What would you do as a parent?

[Anonymous]

Absolutley! Does your child speak Spanish? Does he know what kids are saying to him or about him? I would contact the teacher first to make sure that she undersatnds the situation, and can remedy it immediately. If nothing happens, go to the AP, or counselor to get some help. Bullying is a major issue going on in the schools today. A good school will have a plan in place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutley! Does your child speak Spanish? Does he know what kids are saying to him or about him? I would contact the teacher first to make sure that she undersatnds the situation, and can remedy it immediately. If nothing happens, go to the AP, or counselor to get some help. Bullying is a major issue going on in the schools today. A good school will have a plan in place.

DC does not speak Spanish. DC says that the other kids laugh and point at him after they speak in Spanish to each other.

I will contact the teacher. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Is there another child (or two) in the class that your child could invite over for a playdate? He/she needs to find a couple of buddies in the class that can help him feel liked and supported. At this age, befriending one of the "bullies" might even be a good option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there another child (or two) in the class that your child could invite over for a playdate? He/she needs to find a couple of buddies in the class that can help him feel liked and supported. At this age, befriending one of the "bullies" might even be a good option.

DC has two friends in the class and the two friends don't like the bullies, either.

I did email the teacher and she is trying to setup a meeting with her, the school counselor, and us for this Friday.

Thank you all for your great advice!

[Anonymous]

First, let the teacher know what your child is telling you. If it persists, contact the vice principal.

It's inappropriate and most schools now do have some kind of "respect" and/or "kindness" core value that they do try to get the kids to adhere to.

[Anonymous]

It is definitely bullying.

[Anonymous]

Of course it is bullying. Sounds like you have a good plan. Report back how it goes.

[Anonymous]

The good news is that your teacher is on top of it, and ready to set up a meeting. Good for her! Please let us know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Second grade? Good lord Meet with principal. I hope things go well.

[Anonymous]

OP here with an update -- we had a great meeting with DC's teacher and the school counselor. They are stepping in and will be observing during recess, lunch, as well as in the classroom. The school counselor is also going to do several sessions with the class on bullying, and what actions are bullying.

I'm pleased that they took such quick action.

Thank you again for all the advice!