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, along with bullying.

The first place to look if you were to report activity—either as a parent of a student or the student wanting to disclose 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 can report. You usually need a specific person or admin to report these events. There also should be a definition of bullying that the school provides. You can read that and ensure your incident falls within their definition.

Then you would report it. And how you’re going to relay it, I always suggest in writing, so even an email is OK.

Clear, Detailed Information is Required

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

Was there any physical harm? That’s important because the school needs to know if they need to notify other legal entities, maybe the police department, if it’s severe enough.

So, yes, look at your school’s policy. It’s generally on their website, student, 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 better to have a paper trail just in case of future instances.

Reporting of School Bullying is Confidential

And I also recommend giving as many details as possible whenever you’re reporting this. The law requires that reporting is confidential, so the school should keep this information as such due to state regulations within the anti-bullying and reporting policies. And, like I said, in writing.

Then keep a copy for yourself, just in case. The school should take over, notify you within a reasonable time, and 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 someone is bullying them. Some of the things you can do to help them include:

Encourage them to Speak-Up

If your child is getting bullied, you should encourage and advise them to speak up. It will help them get the support they need to deal with the situation. It would be best if you also told 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, the law requires schools to have policies to deal with bullying. The school should also notify you of the steps to address the issue.

Speak To an Arizona Bullying Attorney

You can also speak or seek 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 policies 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 increasingly harsh 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 that cyberbullying is also a severe issue.

Cyberbullying is an extensive 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 the state law covers all aspects of bullying detailed within. 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 people can misunderstand certain actions, and you can see how someone may wrongfully accuse a student of criminal cyberbullying.

Fortunately, attorneys at Chelle Law have extensive training and experience in combatting 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.