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My 12 year old son has been bullied by a boy in our neighborhood for several years now. My son has a lot of friends, but of course all his friends are around his age and scared of the bully.

The bully (Gary) is 15. A few years ago my husband and I talked to Gary's parents, because he stole a toy from my son on the school bus. Gary claimed not to have the toy, and his parents protected him--and said we were in the wrong. This only child is perfect according to them. I have given up on going to the parents. The attitude of the police is "boys will be boys" (we live in a small town).

I caught Gary in the act a couple of weeks ago. He jumped on, and broke a ramp that my son and his friends built for their bikes. I told him he was acting like a 6 year old, and that someday someone bigger and meaner will come along and "take him out". He rode off on his bike in a hurry! However now he harasses my son about telling "Mommy". Last night he threw big rocks at my son's bike, causing some damage to paint. Apparently it even makes things worse if I interfear. Usually I do leave it to my son to settle disagreements, but this boy has crossed the line.

My 21 year old son, is 6'4, 240 lbs but If I use him to intimidate the 15 year old, this would be no different than a 15 year old picking on a 12 year old. Although...I doubt Gary has paid much attention to big brother. He'd probably be scared of him, we all know Gary is a coward in disguise.

My son does not want to walk away, because this means he would have to leave his other friends behind, plus he wants to "look tough" Any tips on dealing with a neighborhood bully?

I think you should have your son throw rocks at that 15 year olds bike so he would know how it feels. and you should send his parents a bill for the damamge he did to your son's bike and if i was you i would use the older brother to scare the 15 year old away he needs to be taught a lesson!!! tel lyour son to tell him what goes around comes around and one day what he did to him will happen to him and you will laugh all over his face!!! i hate bullies they make me so angry. i noticed that bullies always pick on younger kids then them because they know they really can't do anything. why dont you teach your son some karate lessons so he can beat that boys butt!!!!

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