Reply #52: Interesting observation:

[Smarmie Doofus]

>>>>>>>Children at this age pick on easy targets. An easy target is NOT one who's parents get the teachers, principal and your parents after you. Retaliation for this, at this age, is highly unlikely and would only lead to the same extremely unpleasant result for the bullying child.>>>>>>>>>

I'm inclined to agree. One of the oddest things ( to me) about this particular situation is that I associate the Darwinian jungle-phase of development with older kids: i.e. middle school. Third graders usually *don't* do this... in my experience anyway. And the homophobic element: they seem to be using terminology that they cannot possibly understand. That's weird also.

>>>>>>>The worst thing that can happen is if the boy feels that telling his parents is not leading to a resolution, especially if he also sees that they are being upset by his telling them of the incidents, and begins to feel burdened to internalize his fear, stress and anxiety. If the problem becomes ongoing the risk is that the child will feel that they, themselves, are responsible for it's ongoing nature and since their hands are tied when it comes to stopping the problem they begin to internalize.

I would advise the parents to speak up ASAP. I hope the boy finds some peace.>>>>



The parents are super-well equipped to deal with the situation , and I'm sure they'll see that he perseveres. So don't worry too much.

I more concerned for kids whose parents are not as sophisticated. WTF happens to *them*?