Third grader left with broken teeth after school attack

Family says the student has been bullying their daughter for weeks

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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An 8-year-old third grader in Chicago was left with broken teeth after she was attacked in her school's hallway by another student who her family says has been bullying her for weeks. The incident left the young girl unable to eat and the family is now considering transferring schools and pursuing legal action.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of bullying in schools and the serious physical and emotional harm it can cause students. It also raises questions about school safety and the responsibility of educators to protect children in their care.

The details

According to the report, on February 12th, Vivienne Dalton was attacked by a fourth-grade student at her school, Nettelhorst School in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood. The other student had been grabbing Dalton's neck for weeks, and during the latest incident, she "pulled me on the neck" and "pushed me", leaving Dalton with broken teeth. Dalton's classmates witnessed the attack, and the student who attacked her had previously threatened to beat her up if she told anyone about the bullying. Now, Dalton is scared to return to school, worried her attacker "might do something worse". The family is facing mounting medical bills, as Dalton will need a root canal and implant to fix the damage to her teeth.

  • The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on February 12, 2026.
  • The bully had been grabbing Dalton's neck for weeks prior to the attack.

The players

Vivienne Dalton

An 8-year-old third grade student at Nettelhorst School in Chicago who was attacked by a bully, leaving her with broken teeth.

Yue Zhao

Vivienne Dalton's mother, who spoke out about the incident and is considering transferring her daughter to another school and pursuing legal action.

Nettelhorst School

The Chicago elementary school where the attack took place.

Chicago Public Schools

The school district that addressed the situation, stating they prioritize student safety and are committed to investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This is every parent's nightmare. The school supposed to be safe space for kids. This is the opposite.”

— Yue Zhao, Vivienne Dalton's mother (nbcchicago.com)

“She pulled me on the neck, I saw her and she pushed me.”

— Vivienne Dalton (nbcchicago.com)

“She didn't take one bite, she said 'sorry mom, I can't eat it'. It broke my heart.”

— Yue Zhao, Vivienne Dalton's mother (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The family is considering transferring Vivienne Dalton to another school and pursuing legal action against the school district.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for schools to have robust anti-bullying policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable students from harm. It also highlights the lasting physical and emotional trauma that bullying can inflict on young children.