Yep, agree with building their self esteem. Self defense is a good one. Or maybe introduce him/her to a sport/club.

I was bullied myself at a young age, but found my confidence when i found something i enjoyed and was good at(tennis). I joined a club, made friends and didnt look back. My whole attitude changed. Funny enough it also changed the attitude of the bullies.

Bullies only pick on who they think is weak. If he finds confidence in something go with it.

Best of luck

Rob

Make a note of when your son comes home and tells you of the incidents that have happened. Use this info when you go into school, also make sure your son tells someone at school.
My son was bullied when he was 7/8. These older lads would not let him and his friend sit on any table at lunchtimes and would call them puffs and gays because they were together all the time. I taught my son to have something to say back eg "takes one to know one" or "theres no-one more gay than you". This helped him hold his head up and ignore them.
However my daughter is 12 and started high school in Sept' and was bullied by an ex friend. She was followed home and thumped and dragged out of the toilets at while school in order for them to fight her - she is not a fighter. My husband went to see this girls Dad and he warned his daughter off (which was great) however the rest of her gangs parents are less helpfull. But thankfully the school has been on the ball and all seems to have stopped. It is heartbreaking to see your child so at a loss as to what to do and being so unhappy.
Keep going into school and make a point of asking them if they believe him/you.
Another idea what about inviting the bully/ies to play/hang out at your house--maybe come for tea.
Or what about seeing the other parents.
all depends on their age- maybe when it's his birthday they could be invited give a really cool party to impress. hope I help! x

Deb, your response was excellent. I think it is important to persist in telling schools about bullying. Also important to ask what strategies the school will put in place to combat it. If the bullying persists, it is important to communicate back because the strategies may not work and different ones need to be implemented.