I fear our son will be bullied at school – perhaps we’ve sheltered him too much

DEAR DEIDRE: I FEAR that my son will be bullied when he goes to secondary school.

He’s such a lovely boy – kind, compassionate and he helps people, which are values he should have.

I’m 39 and my wife is 37.

I remember what it was like being a teenage boy at school.

I worry that his mum and I have sheltered him too much and led him to believe the world is sweetness and light.

His new school will be full of children who maybe haven’t had the upbringing he has.

I’m concerned others will take advantage of his good nature.

He has a couple of years until he goes to secondary school but I know the troublemakers will be on to him.

I don’t want to be one of those helicopter parents who hover over him and make him anxious.

Am I worrying too much?

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DEIDRE SAYS: It is a common fear for parents, so you are not alone.

Bullying takes many forms these days. It can be face to face or online, in or out of school.

That said, worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet won’t help you or your son.

Let him know that if anything does happen he can always talk to you or another trusted adult.

Please be reassured, it is not a given your son will be bullied.

All schools have an anti-bullying policy so if bullying occurs it should be sorted quickly.

Contact if he has any issues.

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