A mother has reported that her seven-year-old son, whose identity is being protected, is a victim of assaults and bullying by classmates at the Escuela Agapito López Flores in Humacao. The mother, Lanina Sanquiche Villafañe, said that despite taking her complaints to school authorities, the problem persists. She fears the situation will worsen because, she said, the boy is emotionally affected.
In an interview with NotiCentro, the child said classmates hit and shove him and use vulgar language against him. By his account, the harassment and aggression began in first grade and have continued to the present. His mother also reported that classmates have damaged his backpack and other school supplies.
According to her, most of the aggression happens during recess and lunch periods. Last week, she said, another child touched the boy’s private parts in one of the school’s bathrooms, which led her to turn to social media to make the problem public. Her main concern is the impact on her son’s emotional health.
She said other parents have also reported similar bullying and aggression at the school. The family describes the boy as a studious, intelligent child who enjoys playing basketball and soccer. Citing the continuing pattern of aggression, the parents said they fear for his safety and asked the Department of Education to take action.