How to Report Bullying at an Arizona School?

Check Out the School’s Anti-bullying policies

How do you report bullying in an Arizona school? There are requirements within state law that require schools to have policies, procedures, reporting requirements, and procedures in place for reporting bullying and activity. They also include harassment and intimidation. Those are all grouped in, and then also bullying. The first place I would look if you were to report activity, either as a parent of a student or the student wanting to report it, is at your school’s policy. They should have an anti-bullying policy.

Report School Bullying Incident by Writing or Emailing Your Information

Within that policy, there should be ways that you are able to report. It’s normally a specific person or admin that you need to report these events. There also should be a definition of bullying that the school provides. You can read that and make sure that your incident falls within their definition. And then you would report it. And how you’re going to report it, I always would suggest in writing, so even an email is fine.

Clear, Detailed Information is Required

But just in writing, you want to be as detailed as possible. Who were the people that were involved? Who was doing the alleged bullying? Who was the victim? The time that this happened, the date, and the environment. All of these things are really important. It’s best to paint a very clear picture for the individuals involved so they know how to proceed.

Was there any sort of physical harm? That’s important because the school then needs to know if they need to notify other legal entities, maybe the police department if it’s serious enough. So, yes, so look at your school’s policy. It’s normally on their website or in the student handbook or parent handbook. Within there, it will tell you who to contact. I always recommend doing it in writing, not over the phone. I think it’s just better to have a paper trail just in case of any future instances.

Reporting of School Bullying is Confidential

And I also recommend whenever you’re reporting this, give as many details as possible. It is required that reporting is confidential, so this information should be kept confidential due to state regulations within the anti-bullying and reporting policies. And then, like I said, in writing. And then I would keep a copy for yourself, just in case of any future incidents. The school should take over and notify you within a reasonable time and they’ll walk you through the procedure.

What is Bullying?

The National Bullying Prevention Center defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” This definition implies that for an incident to be considered bullying, there should be an intention to harm someone. The bully must also have some form of power over the victim, which they use to repeat the aggressive behavior.

What If My Child is Being Bullied at School in Arizona?

As highlighted above, School bullying can negatively impact a child’s life. You should take immediate action if you believe they are being bullied. Some of the things you can do to help them include:

Encourage them to Speak-Up

If your child is being bullied, you should encourage and advise them to speak up. This will help them get the support they need to deal with the situation. You should also tell them that it’s not their fault and you are there for them.

Report The Incident to The School

Once you’re sure your child is being bullied especially if they acquire injuries, report the incident to the school. In Arizona, schools are required by law to have a policy in place to deal with bullying. The school should also notify you of the steps to address the issue.

Speak To an Arizona Bullying Attorney

You also have the option of speaking or seeking advice from an experienced Arizona bullying attorney. They will help you understand your options and take the necessary legal action. Speaking with an attorney should be your last resort, as it may escalate the situation.

What Are the Different Types of Bullying in Arizona?

You might have a perception that only physical bullying takes place in schools. However, there are different types of bullying, and each one is just as harmful as the other. Understanding the different types of bullying will enable you to devise the most appropriate solution. The main types of bullying include:

1. Physical Bullying

This is the most common type of bullying. It can range from hitting and kicking to spitting and pushing which causes possible injury. Yes, these types of harassment commonly happen. Also, this violence can involve the destruction of property. It’s common for students who bully others into taking their victim’s belongings and damaging them.

2. Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying, also known as social bullying, is characterized by using hurtful words. It can involve name-calling, making fun of someone, spreading rumors, and teasing. Students who engage in this type of bullying often do so to make themselves feel better.

3. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has increased in recent years due to the rise of social media and other online platforms. It involves the use of technology to bully someone. It can include sending mean texts or emails, posting hurtful comments online, and spreading rumors through social media.

4. Social Bullying

Also known as relational bullying, social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or social status. It can include leaving someone out on purpose, rumor-mongering, and gossiping. The goal of social bullying is to make the victim feel isolated and alone.

Arizona Anti-Bullying Required School Policies

Arizona recognizes the seriousness of bullying and has established laws to address the problem. The first law was enacted in 2006, requiring all schools to have the policy to deal with bullying. The second law was enacted in 2009 and expanded the definition of bullying to include cyberbullying. It also required schools to report bullying incidents to the Arizona Department of Education.

The 2009 law also created the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools within the Arizona Department of Education. The office is responsible for providing school support and resources on bullying prevention. It also investigates complaints of bullying and enforces the state’s anti-bullying laws.

Cyberbullying: How a Defense Attorney Can Help

Bullying is seen in an increasingly serious light in the school system these days. Not only is in-person bullying a potential problem among students in a school system, but it is also necessary to be aware of the fact that cyberbullying is also a serious issue these days. Cyberbullying is a very broad category of bullying that can include many different actions. Stopbullying.gov defines what cyberbullying looks like: 

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.

This definition is broad and lengthy, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that all aspects of bullying that are detailed within are covered by state law. Each state has varying definitions of cyberbullying from a legal perspective, and what qualifies in one state may not be in another. Add to that that certain actions can be misunderstood, and you can see how a student may be wrongfully accused of criminal cyberbullying. 

Fortunately, attorneys who work at Chelle Law have extensive training and experience in how to combat cyberbullying claims in court. Our team knows the laws in Arizona, and we will put up a fierce defense for our clients. No student deserves to have their reputation tarnished by false accusations lobbed at them by another. We work diligently to put a stop to this immediately.