My son is not very big, and was late going through puberty....he fought for himself twice in the 7th grade, 1st time he was taking a drink at the water fountain and the kid behind him pushed his face in it, he warned the kid and then proceeded to drink some more, it happened again and it was on! 2nd time in the same school year, a kid with some anger problems was constantly harassing my other son and his friends, my son stuck up for them, warned him to stop and the kid ran up and pushed him from behind...again it was on! On both occasions he did not start it but he finished both....he had many friends in HS and basically got along with everyone but nobody ever tried to tease him.
Only had one in High School, got sucker punched from behind, instinct took over, my books went sailing and when I faced her, she decided to quickly walk away....My reaction was unexpected I guess she just thought I was a runner, if I ran my mother wouldn't have given me he!! when I got home.. The viciousness of todays kids are because they know the school cannot stop them and their parents won't...