Talk to the school counsellor yourself, find out what they are doing to help. Ask the principal for a copy of the school's anti- bullying policy (all NSW school must have one, not sure about other states) I have a book which I have lent to one of the mums from my school called "Bully proof your child" not sure who wrote it but maybe a book similar would be good to read. Chat to your daughter about strategies for making friends and how to be a good friend, invite someone over to play so you can observe how she acts with others, also this really helps children's friendships at school. Spend some time alone with her, difficult I know but she may be wanting your attention.
I will check some other resources that I have at school (I am a teacher) Are you in NSW?
The school in in NSW and does have an anti bullying policy, but the principle is some what laxed. We had a stern chat to him a couple of days ago and said if this situation isn't taken seriously then we'll be going to a higher authority. He mumbled something along the lines of maybe your daughter is exagerating things (she was kicked by three year 4's, I'm not sure how that can be exagerated)
I've talked to the councellor on several occasions, the where doing anitbullying teachings through the classes, she was working one on one with my daughter, and now they have classes once a week on how to make friends and to get along with others. So they are doing things, but it's the same children who consistanly tease and belittle her, she tells the teacher and us each time something happens, she's tell's us their names. In term 4 of last year she was bullied by three boys, teasing her about her last name, one ended up ripping her uniform and scratching her back with a pen, and pushed her to the ground, we have a photo of the scatch that was very bad, he was suspended, the other two got a talking too.
I guess someone has to be hurt enough before the school takes action, I'm worried that one day she'll hit them back, then we'll have no help at all.
She has a very good friend out of school and they mostly play really well together, she has a boy at school that she is really good friends with and thay play together out of school, they get along really well, but she gets teased at school about been his friend (the boyfriend thing of course).
She goes to kidsclub as well.
Lately though I've notice when we're with a few children, she withdraws and keeps to herself.
It's all making me very upset and it seams to be getting more and more compicating.
I give her lots of positive attention, cuddles, I tell her how well she's doing, I give her things to do around the house to help so she feels needed, I talk to her when she wants to talk. At least she still come to us and tells us what's bothering her.
looks like this is going to take a long time to sort out, but at least she's got her parents backing if nothing else.
Thanks for your replies, I'll have a look at the library for that book..
Unfortunately the principal sets the tone for school and it sounds as if yours isn't much good. Going above him will sadly just get him offside and get you labelled as a problem parent (it shouldn't but it will) It sounds like the counsellor is doing the right thing and trust me there are some hopeless school counsellors out there. I'm glad she has got one friend but the physical violence must stop- those kids responsible should be in very serious trouble each time this happens. I am pleased to see that one was suspended but since the school was aware it was this serious they should be monitoring the situation closely. I am going to do soem research at school into who you could contact for help within the dept. and get back to you but it may not be until next week.
Your little girl is lucky she has caring parents.
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