My son has been instructed to beat the snot out of anyone if they try picking on him. He might get in trouble at school, but he gets one get out of jail free card at home. Fortunately, he has not been a target thus far and I doubt he ever will be. He is very likable.
What you said BUMP!
I told my sons - - and often reminded them - - that if they ever got in trouble or suspended from school for fighting or defending themselves from bullies, I had their backs completely. My only rule was that they themselves NEVER bully anyone (although I actually didn’t have to tell them that because it wasn’t in their nature anyway).