That’s a really upsetting situation—and honestly, the reaction makes sense. What the teacher said wasn’t just a casual remark, it crossed a professional boundary.

A child’s name is part of their identity, and for a teacher to mock it—even privately—is inappropriate. Teachers are expected to create a safe, respectful environment for students, and that includes how they speak about them, even when they think no one is listening.

The important thing here is that the child didn’t hear it. That’s a small relief—but it doesn’t make the behavior acceptable.

As for whether the mum should report it:
Yes, she has every right to raise it—but it doesn’t have to be confrontational.

A calm approach usually works best. She could request a meeting with the headteacher and simply explain what was overheard, without exaggeration or emotion taking over. Something like:

• What was said

• When it happened

• Why it concerns her (trust, respect, environment for her child)

Schools generally take this kind of thing seriously because it reflects on professionalism and safeguarding culture.

It’s also worth noting: reporting it doesn’t automatically mean someone gets punished harshly. Sometimes it leads to a warning, training, or just making sure it never happens again. The goal isn’t revenge—it’s protecting the child and setting a standard.

And about the name “Benji”? It’s completely normal. It’s widely used as a given name, not just for pets. The issue here isn’t the name—it’s the attitude behind the comment.

If the mum stays silent, it might keep bothering her and affect how she feels about leaving her child at school. Speaking up—calmly—can actually give her back a sense of control.