My daughter had money stolen out of her bag at school?

Question

There is also a boy in her class which numerous children have had problems with. He bullies and blackmails them into giving him sweets, money, toys, etc. I don’t have concrete proof that it is this boy who stole her money but, the chances are high. My daughter says he often goes for bathroom breaks which would give him time to rummage through kids’ bags which are in the wardrobe room.

I’m really mad right now. I don’t care so much about the money. I’m just mad that you can’t trust anyone. Not even an 8 year old child! I also find it ridiculous that someone would take the liberty to go through another person’s property especially while at school.

If you were me, what would you do? What can I do? Call the teacher? Report it to the school?

Thanks and sorry it was so long! I needed to vent a little.

Answer 1

I'd definitely tell the teacher.  Not in a sense of accusing that boy, but it's enough to raise her awareness that something like this is happening in class.  Also, this may get them to put a lock on the wardrobe room so that students cannot go there without notifying the teachers first.

Bullies are really the worst thing anything kids have to deal with.  As an adult, looking back at the bullies in my early education, I think they're simply kids from dysfunctional families who are not loved at home and therefore need extra attention in school.  And the way they do it is through bad behavior.  I think teachers are responsible to keep an eye for the bullies in class, because they are disruptive to others, and if handled well, teachers can help bullies make friends and therefore stop terrifying fellow students.

So, don't hesitate, talk to the teacher about your concern, or if you have a PTA, talk to fellow parents about this.  If your daughter is not the only child in class with things stolen from her bag, chances are other parents are bothered by this problem as well.  It's much easier to bring awareness to the school if more parents voice out together.

Answer 2

We just had a similar experience last week, however it was not money it was my 10 year old's cell phone.  She was leaving school ill on Thursday and another child brought her backpack down to the office to her and took her cell phone from the pocket while she walked down.  She then used it to download games, half naked pics of women and ring tones.  We shut the phone down once we discovered the charges; we had been hoping that it was just lost in the classroom somewhere.

We did tell the teacher, and I called the office at the school to report it.  The child eventually returned the phone (it was dead due to no charger) and yesterday they did suspend her.  

My thought is you should report it, it isn't the amount but the fact that it happened at all!  These children need to learn some hard lessons before they go up to middle school and things just get worse.

Good luck

Answer 3

Hmm..so someone steals something from your daughter in the school.  Your reaction is to run to your computer, turn it on, log into Yahoo! Answers and ask a bunch of strangers what you should do.  That makes sense!

As a parent how come your first reaction wasn't to call the school and tell them?  The obviously have a problem with someone stealing money and going through other kids stuff.

But I guess your idea is better.  

You definately won't have to prepare a speech for parent of the year!!!!

Answer 4

I'm surprised that eight year olds are permitted to have money or any other valuables in school. Ours aren't - and if they need something for a legitimate reason, they have to give it to the teacher to look after.

Do tell the teacher - but I doubt you will get a great deal of sympathy especially if they have a rule about it. As you live so close to the school, why didn't you just have your daughter come home first to get her money?

Answer 5

all you can do is talk to the teacher and thats it sorry ask your daughter if she remembers something

Answer 6

UHG!! They start young don't they!

My 7yo had his lunch money go missing in the first term. I thought he lost it (he is quite forgetful). Then noticed a couple of other things in his bag missing, a key ring (superman one) his drink bottle, his bag tag (superman again).

I though no way this all goes missing in one day. Had a meeting with the teacher the next day, along with 5 other parents.

Now the bags are put under their desks. And if I send money with him, it's in a sock pocket or his shoe. Strange, but at least he knows where it is.

Also as I am on PTA, we had numerous complaints a year over stealing. It's unreal. They are 7yo for crying out loud!!!

Try the shoe trick. It works. It's the same advice I give to other mums.

Answer 7

Just give the teacher a heads up on what happened.  That's all you can do.

Answer 8

I'd tell the teacher and let the principal know also.  This would make the teacher more aware of the problem and be more viligent about who is doing this.

Answer 9

I'd recommend reporting it to the school-at least they'll know that somethings going on and may be able to stop it.

Answer 10

Call the teacher and explain what happened and what your daughter thinks happened to the money.  Don't accuse the boy just ask the teacher if it is really possible he could be going through the bags instead of bathroom break.  Then next time you give your daughter money have her put it in a zip lock bag and pin it to her front pocket so it will be on her and no one can get it.

Answer 11

Only give your children enough money for their time in school...such as lunch money.  You don't know what happened with the money so you have no right accusing any child.  Yes you should be angry, angry with yourself for giving your child money that wasn't needed.

Answer 12

Hello,

Our schools here have electronic transfers to pay for lunches.

I feel there is no reason for kids to have money, cell phones,computers etc.. at school. They are there to learn, period.

Public schools do not have the kids parents there to supervise them and staff is usually bare minimum, and everyone knows kids do not act the same when they are away from there parents or being supervised.

I would be angry if I were you, however take it as lesson learned. You could say something to the teacher, but she/he  might be so over whelmed, under paid that there is only so much she/he can do (two eyes against what 40 eyes?).

It could even bring on a ban of anything being brought to school for all the kids, which might be the best thing?

Just pay the store keeper or even have your child come home to pick up the money then go to the store then this would not happen again.

Kids are not taught these days what is theres and what is not. Kids do not get punished when caught in the most part these days. So what do we expect.

Answer 13

$3? Get over it!