Discussion Boards - The Big Issues

Pauline, I would perhaps suggest that a 5th grader is way to young to have a Facebook account, even according to FB rules. I do understand that "everyone" has FB these days, but can assure you that there are still some "deprived" ones out there who have to use clumsy devices like the telephone to communicate with their friends. In my house, you can ask to "earn" Facebook when you turn 13, but it's a privilege, not a right. And just like you, I keep the only internet connected computer in the kitchen.
As far as getting involved and standing up for your son, YES, of course you did the right thing! Whom does he have in this world apart from you to be his champion? Recently, I read an article that students with "demanding" parents have better academic & social outcomes at school. While I am never overbearing or rude to teachers, I do like to ask questions and make sure the teacher knows what is happening in my kids' lives. If I see something that is of concern, I point it out politely.

Keep up the great job you are doing as a Mum! I pray that God will give us all wisdome and strength to raise those He has blessed us with.

Linda

Linda; may I suggest............that most people will ask if they want parenting help.:-) An perhaps she was aking...? mayb??.... And not everyone has fb these days In my house...... No -one has face book. regardless of age. Does that mean my children are the deprived ones? Or the just the ones not plugged in to gossip...:-)

Hi Linda, Thank you for your thoughts and for your encouragement.

The whole facebook thing initially started with my sister, who has a HUGE input into my children's lives (as does my brother :-)... ), she was moving to WA to work in the mines. Due to her working 12hour shifts and the time differences of 2hrs etc, we thought it would be easier for my children to have facebook accounts to keep in contact with her ie leave her a message to which she can leave a reply therefore they can keep a "conversation" going, they can look at each others photo's etc. This boy wasnt connected on fb with my son however you can still send a message, and he did. I suppose like Dave said earlier, bully's will always be around, if it wasnt on fb it would have been in the school yard ... in which case, the second interaction was outside of the school grounds at a public event ....

Funnily, children have been speaking to my daughter (who is in the same grade as the bully) and she has basically condoned this boys behaviour and the children are agreeing, which is a good thing (like Giselle has mentioned regarding bystanders). The bully approached my daughter and said, "I can understand your mum being upset with me, but I don't know why your uncle came to me" ... later I said to my daughter, "your brother can say the same thing, why did he say those things to me" .... but it seems to have had a bit of an impact on the bully, so we shall see what happens in the future.

:-)