Punched/Bullied on bus

[Anonymous]

What are my options? Middle school child was punched repeatedly on bus despite child's pleas for bully (plus one other kid) to stop. There are witnesses, although sadly none stepped in to help (maybe for fear of being targeted also). Child got off the bus crying while bully continued to taunt him. The punches weren't hard enough to leave a mark, but from my standpoint it's not okay if the bully so much as touched child with his finger. I don't think this should be a warning situation for the bully, but rather zero tolerance and kick him off the bus, suspend, excel, or whatever. I know there is a bully reporting form and am planning to speak with school guidance counselor as starting point. Also know the bully's parent, although not friends, and considering contacting directly. Feeling upset and terrible for child and beyond furious at bully. Can't go through entire school year like this. Sick to stomach and appreciate any guidance from those who have been there.

[Anonymous]

Start with the reporting form. Be as detailed as you can. After a few days, follow up with an e-mail to the principal, with ccs to the school counselor and the manager of the bus depot, telling them what you would like them to do -- namely, kick the bully off the bus.

Don't speak to the bully's parents!

[Anonymous]

Wouldn't this be assault. Should the police be called?

[Anonymous]

^PP here. Just wanted to add, I'm so sorry this happened to your DC. That's just awful. I went to a "rough" school, but I was never assaulted.

[Anonymous]

Did the bus driver witness any of this?

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry. Would consider contacting police as well, as suggested by a PP, if only to put the fear of God into that bully. How awful.

[Anonymous]

I am completely against calling stuff "bullying" when it is not or it is just teasing/mean kids stuff.

BUT... your child was punched!!!

Go to the school today, fill out the form, talk to the principal. My friend's son was also punched and it was on video... did the bus have video? You want to get that video in less than 24 hours, I don't know if it will be there after that.

The child will be suspended and he will be moved out of any like classes they have together.

Yes. This is an assault, this is serious. It does not matter he does not have marks.

Do not address the parents of the other child.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Child also plans to speak to guidance counselor independently, which we support since he is self-advocating. Not sure what the bus driver observed, if anything. Also, don't know if there are cameras on the bus, or if there is a bus monitor, patrol, etc. The bus is very cliquish as I understand it (and probably not atypical in that regard), 8th graders get back area and don't let others back there, 6th and 7th in different spots. I'm not sure what qualifies as assault, but will pursue any and all avenues to protect child.

[Anonymous]

Document this in writing. Talk to the principal today - don't wait or it might happen again! Don't talk to the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Child also plans to speak to guidance counselor independently, which we support since he is self-advocating. Not sure what the bus driver observed, if anything. Also, don't know if there are cameras on the bus, or if there is a bus monitor, patrol, etc. The bus is very cliquish as I understand it (and probably not atypical in that regard), 8th graders get back area and don't let others back there, 6th and 7th in different spots. I'm not sure what qualifies as assault, but will pursue any and all avenues to protect child.

OP, I am a big fan of self-advocacy, but I think that in this case, the parents should also be involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't this be assault. Should the police be called?

That would be an overreaction. The bully report should be filed. The child is also self advocating by speaking with a guidance counselor. Hopefully, this will resolve things quickly.

[Anonymous]

Tough situation. The tricky thing in submitting the report is that it could also lead to retaliatory behavior by the bully. So, you absolutely need to address the situation, but then try to move past it. Above all, make sure your DC knows that you have their back and that you are always going to support them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Child also plans to speak to guidance counselor independently, which we support since he is self-advocating. Not sure what the bus driver observed, if anything. Also, don't know if there are cameras on the bus, or if there is a bus monitor, patrol, etc. The bus is very cliquish as I understand it (and probably not atypical in that regard), 8th graders get back area and don't let others back there, 6th and 7th in different spots. I'm not sure what qualifies as assault, but will pursue any and all avenues to protect child.

OP, I am a big fan of self-advocacy, but I think that in this case, the parents should also be involved.

+1. You should send an email to the counselor, principal, and transportation supervisor so there is a paper trail. Your child taking with guidance counselor won't accomplish much. Have him sit near bus driver.

[Anonymous]

Give your DC the words to fight back. Tell him that he has your permission to tell the bully to F-off.

[Anonymous]

Go through the school channels and then through law enforcement. Assault IS A CRIME. And it is grounds for a civil suit too. Document, document, document.