Bullying At School: What Constitutes Bullying And How To Seek Legal Help

Unfortunately,  in this day and age, bullying often goes unreported and unchecked in schools. Whether it is physical, verbal, or relational, bullying is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on its victims.. Many times it's overlooked or not taken seriously, because many parents and guardians are not  aware of what constitutes bullying. Furthermore, it becomes a larger problem when they are unsure how to resolve the situation or how to seek legal help if their child is being bullied. 

This blog post will provide an overview of what counts as bullying at school according to the law, as well as steps that can be taken to get help. Let's take a closer look.

What Is Bullying At School?

According to the US Department of Education, bullying is defined as any intentional, repeated, and hostile behavior that is carried out by a student or a group of students against another student. This behavior can include:

• Threats

• Physical actions such as hitting or shoving

• Making intimidating faces

• Teasing someone repeatedly

• Spitting

• Verbally hurtful comments such as name-calling or insults.

The US law also considers discriminatory practices that target students because of their race, color, national origin, sex, and disabilities to be part of this definition of bullying activities. If your child is being bullied at school, seek legal advice from a qualified bullying victims lawyer to protect your child’s rights.

Types Of Bullying In School

The are different types of bullying that can take place in school span from physical to social, take a look:

1. Physical

Physical bullying involves physical harm done to another child such as hitting, kicking, or intentionally pushing them around.

1. Verbal

Verbal bullying uses words to hurt someone’s feelings and make them feel embarrassed, threatened, or put down. This type of bullying can be done in person or via text messages.

1. Emotional

Emotional bullying is more subtle, yet more damaging than physical or verbal could be. The student is gradually excluded from social circles and activities. It often leads to social isolation, low self-worth, depression, and even tragic outcomes like suicide. Identifying and reporting emotional bullying early can save a student's life.

1. Cyber

Cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent with the advances in technology and social media. This type involves posting embarrassing pictures of students online or using devices to harass them through nasty comments and imitating trackers.

The Effects Of Bullying On Children

Bullying in the school system has always hurt children, which can range from reduced self-esteem to suicidal ideation. Bullying has been linked to increased feelings of depression and anxiety in young people, making it harder for them to fit into their social environment and engage with peers.

Moreover, children who are exposed to bullying may become more withdrawn, leading to decreased academic performance due to a lack of concentration, as well as difficulties in developing social relationships outside of the classroom.

Steps To Take If Your Child Is Being Bullied

Bullying at any level is wrong. If your child is being bullied at school, it can be a difficult and stressful situation for both you and your child. However, there are several steps you can take to help your child and address the problem:

1. Gather Evidence Of Bullying

If your child is being bullied at school, the first step in taking action is to document and gather any evidence of bullying. Examples of evidence that can be gathered include an accurate description of what happened at each incident and be sure to include relevant information including the name of the bully.

Also mention dates, specific locations where bullying occurred, emails, text messages, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence such as scratch marks/injury photos, etc. That way authorities have all they need if they decide to investigate the case. 

For instances of cyberbullying, screenshots, and copies of social media posts are ideal sources of proof. To remove any doubt regarding what constitutes bullying in the eyes of a court of law, it's imperative to have indisputable material evidence provided from an authoritative source like police reports and doctor’s notes.

For students experiencing emotional bullying, parents can seek out a licensed mental health provider. These professionals are equipped to support the student through mental health services, while providing assessments that may support legal action.

1. Report The Bullying

Once you have identified that your child is being bullied, it is important to take legal action and report it. This can be done in multiple ways, such as reporting directly to a school administrator or your local police department.

1. Seek Legal Advice From An Attorney

An attorney can provide you with information about local laws and ordinances governing bullying, as well as any options available for recourse. It is essential to discuss the type of bullying that has occurred and the methods used by the aggressor such as physical harm or verbal harassment. 

Your attorney can give you an informed opinion about what constitutes bullying and the potential uses of the law to protect your child’s rights.

Conclusion

Bullying at school is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on the victim. It is important to be aware of what constitutes bullying, including physical violence, verbal abuse, and psychological harassment. If your child is being bullied, it is important to take steps to address the problem, including talking to your child, documenting incidents, contacting the school, teaching coping strategies, and seeking outside support.