Cy, i'm so sorry this happened to your sonand I can understand why you are enraged. When this happens to your child it leaves you feeling helpless.

You're doing the right thing by calling the school and the bus company. Don't lay down on this, keep following up and make sure there is punishment for these children.

When my son was 8 he started to get picked on. I saw red and every other color of the rainbow. And oh, the memories and feelings that it brought back were horrible. Like a dam opening and overflowing.

When I called the school they assured me that the situation would be handled. However, it kept happening and I was eventually told that there wasn't really much they could do if it was happening on the way to and from school. I told the principal that she was wrong, that was a big cop out, that they are responsible for my son's safety until he gets to or returns home from school. This went on for most of the school year. I tried to meet with the parents of these kids and I was met with boys wil be boys, we don't get involved in children's fights and it was suggested to me by one parent that maybe I should teach my son to toughen up. Oh my god how I wanted to do a little slapping around of my own. No wonder these children were bullies.

I finally ended up calling the police after my son was jumped by 3 other boys on the way home. They told me that no matter where it happens it is still assault. it is a crime. Period. I was told that i had the right to press charges and that the parents would be held responsible and so would the school system if I wanted to push it. I said I absolutely did want to push it. That day the officer personally paid a visit to each child's house and informed the parents of my intentions and that they would be cited and end up in juvenile court. He also went to the school and advised them of the law. By that evening i had visits from a couple of the parents with the police officer. He explained to them in front of me what could happen to them if they kept doing this. He also told the parents that they could wind up in family court with their children and that harrassing and physical harm were not a joke and not to be taken lightly and that he would be continuing to follow up on the situation. I also received a phone call of apology from the principal and these children were given suspensions.

So push it as far as you have to. I found it somewhat healing for myself to stand up for my son like my parents never did for me. I know this is hurting you like hell. Believe me I know. Love for a child is like no other emotion in the world and when something horrible happens you have to do anything you can to make it better.

Good luck handling this and take care of that little boy and make sure he knows that there's nothing more important in this world but him right now.