What if My Child is Being Bullied at School in Arizona? | School Bullying

What should you do as a parent or guardian if your child is bullied in Arizona? First, let’s define what bullying is.

What is Bullying?

The State Board of Education defines bullying as when a student is repeatedly exposed to hostile action on the part of one or more students. That action is meant to hurt the student. And the person who is potentially doing the alleged bullying is seeking control.

It has to be over some time. It can’t just be one incident. And it also must be with the intent to hurt the student who is potentially experiencing bullying. So, that’s a comprehensive definition.

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.

Types of Bullying

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 State Board of Education also states that there are three types of bullying:

Physical Bullying

It 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.

Emotional or Social Bullying

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.

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.

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.

These things can be a little bit harder to catch. The best way is to communicate with the student and let them fully tell you the situation so you get all the details and the facts surrounding the events. But if you feel like your child has been exposed repeatedly to these harmful actions meant to hurt them for some time, that’s important; you want to report that to the school.

What If My Child is Being Bullied at School?

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.

Bullying Policies and Procedures in Arizona Schools

Schools here in Arizona are required to have policies and procedures around bullying and the victims of the alleged bullying. So, what does this mean? Parents or students can report this to the school. The parent or student handbook likely addresses these.

It should also be confidential. That means it should not be known to the people who are allegedly doing the bullying. So, the victims should be held confidential. The school is required to have procedures in place. It may mean disciplinary hearings or discipline for the students who are doing the alleged bullying.

Parental Rights to File Complaint if the School Fails to Address Bullying

Also, the school must communicate this with parents. The school is required to act. If they aren’t following up after the parent has reached out, there are legal rights and remedies. You can even file a complaint with the State Board of Education that the school is not complying with the policies put in place for bullying.

It is a sensitive subject. It’s very emotional when you feel like your children aren’t in a safe place. So, it’s something you do not want to take lightly.

The State Board of Education and the Arizona Department of Public Health also have many resources. Arizona takes this very seriously.

Seek Legal Advice About School Bullying

We’ve all seen the effects of what it’s like for a victim to be bullied over time. And there are a lot of repercussions, so you want to take it seriously. I recommend reaching out to the school as soon as possible, being as detailed as possible about the events, and keeping a copy for your records.

If you feel like the school is not assisting your child and they’re not complying with the policies they have put in place, I always recommend seeking legal advice from an attorney, such as myself. Seek a consultation if you are not being represented. And again, if you feel like the school is still not complying, there are legal remedies. You can file a complaint with the State Board of Education.

How to Report Bullying at an Arizona School?

Check Out the School’s Anti-bullying policies

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 to look if you were to report an 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 description.

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

Whenever reporting this, I recommend giving as many details as possible. 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.

In Arizona, if you believe your child is being bullied at school, especially if it caused any injury, you should report the incident to the school immediately. You can speak to a teacher, administrator, or counselor. You can also submit a written complaint to the school, which will investigate the incident and take the necessary disciplinary action. 

The corrective action will depend on the severity of the bullying and the school’s policy and can range from a warning to expulsion from the school. In some instances, the police may also get involved.

Contact Arizona Student Bullying Attorney Today for Assistance

As you can see, student bullying is a severe problem in Arizona school districts. If your child has been the victim of bullying, you should contact an experienced student bullying attorney today. The attorney will review your case and advise you of your legal options. A lawyer can also help you file a complaint with the school and the Arizona Department of Education.

At Chelle Law, we have successfully represented many students who have been the victims of bullying. We will aggressively fight for your child’s rights and ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.