I have kids in this age range and I think that based on the kids history(read the OP - he has been in trouble for this before), suspension is the right thing. Little kids respond when it is clear that it is a big deal. I am not saying the suspension should be for weeks or months, but 1 - 2 days would be OK. Based on the mothers response, she isn't going to make sure he understands why this is wrong and he will continue to do this kind of thing.
This is not a big deal if it is handled correctly. The mother failed by bringing it up and talking to the media. She worried about a label on her son in a private file? It is now on the internet for the whole world to read. He is now really labeled for life. What a fool she is...
It is near the end of the end....
