“I know as a parent I’m supposed to be upset with him for resorting to violence or getting suspended, but I’m not. Not even a little bit.” These words, spoken by a mum whose son was bullied relentlessly for years. A mum whose son just this month decided he had had enough.
In a Facebook post, Allison Arnall Davis explained the bullying her son, Drew, had endured for years at school. It’s a heartbreaking read. When a child feels failed by the school system and there’s no hope left in talking to adults and teachers because nothing will change, it positively takes my breath away.
Bullying: when enough is enough
Finally, even though he shouldn’t have had to, Drew took matters into his own hands. His own fists to be precise.
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Mum speaks out about bullying
In the social media post, Allison writes:
“Five days of OSS for beating up the kid that has been tormenting and bullying him since middle school.
I know as a parent I’m supposed to be upset with him for resorting to violence or getting suspended, but I’m not. Not even a little bit.
For years the school has failed Drew.
When this kid has constantly threatened to beat Drew up along with several of his friends, the school did nothing.
When this kid followed Drew down the hall threatening him and making fun of him AND it was all captured on video, the school did nothing.
When other kids told teachers and administrators that this kid was threatening Drew, the school did nothing.
When this kid took to social media, voicemails, and texting threats, the school did nothing.
When this kid threatened Drew over and over in every class they have together. The school did nothing.
And still nothing from the school
Allison continues: “Not once has the school ever punished the kid that has threatened and bullied Drew over and over. In middle school Drew was afraid to walk down the halls because a swarm of this kid and his minions would make fun of and threaten Drew. He quit talking to the adults about it because they never disciplined the bully and it just made the situation worse.
I sent the school a lengthy email at the beginning of the year begging them to do something because Drew refused to talk to adults at school about it because he knew it would do him no good. Drew had four classes with this kid and he would not leave Drew alone. Their solution and response was to have him and his bully sign a no contact contract.
Seriously?
I’m pretty sure I rolled my eyes. And, like Drew I gave up on trying to get the school to actually do something that would stop this kid from bullying Drew.
So…
When this kid threatened Drew (while on the bus) and then moved on to making fun of his Dad and then threatening Jackson, his 11-year-old brother, Drew decided that he would quit relying on the school and the adults who are suppose to protect him and HE would do something. Three punches and his bully screamed like a baby, his minion friends shut up, and this morning the bully wouldn’t even look at him.
Problem solved.”
How to get support
If you or your child are experiencing bullying, Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. You can also contact them on 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000
We have lots of great advice on bullying to share with our Mum Central readers. Grab a cuppa and make a start here:
- FREE ‘Cool Kids Taking Control Program’ Helping Families Take a Stand Against Bullying
- Instagram Introduces Bully Filter to Stop Cyber Bullying
- What Bullying Does to Our Kids
