Bullying is a reality for students of all ages and abilities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2021–22 school year, approximately 19% of students aged 12-18 reported experiencing bullying at school. In addition, the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence reports that 60% of students with disabilities are bullied in school. Sometimes, school administrators are not able to witness or identify bullying when it happens. In these cases, parents can advocate for their child by submitting a bullying report to the school. Taking the appropriate steps when reporting an instance of bullying is important, and it also makes a big difference in how the school responds. The following tips outline how to accurately report and document cases of bullying and harassment, helping to foster a school environment where students feel safe and schools are held accountable.
Refer to your complaint as a “Formal Bullying and/or Harassment Report.” In the report, cite the school district’s specific bullying policies. Referencing these shows that you understand the responsibilities of the school under state law. Schools are obligated to respond, investigate, and take appropriate action to protect every student.
Request a specific safety plan within your report. Along with reporting an incident, it is important to ensure that your child has support moving forward. This can include modifying routes, classes, seating, and providing support through counseling to reduce the risk of another incident. A general promise from the school to “look into it” or “keep an eye out” is not enough. Make your expectations for resolution clear and ask how the school plans to implement safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
Send your report to the appropriate individual. This will typically be the school’s principal, assistant principal, or their designated anti-bullying coordinator. If you do not receive a timely or appropriate answer, do not hesitate to raise your concerns to someone in a higher position. Always keep a copy of your report for your records. Taking these steps helps to ensure that your voice, and your child’s, is heard.
Set the scene. Document each incident thoroughly and get all the information. Being as detailed, thorough, and specific as possible will be key when addressing bullying concerns. This typically includes who was involved, what happened, where it occurred, when it took place, why it happened, and how it unfolded. If possible, provide witnesses and detailed information about them, especially if you do not know their names. If your report lacks information or has gaps, there may be a poor investigation, and you may not receive the outcome that you desire.
Finally, do not second guess yourself. If you are not certain whether an action qualifies as bullying and/or harassment, it is always better to report it anyway. Even if the behavior does not meet the standard of bullying, the school may still discipline the student if they were in violation of the Code of Conduct. It is always better to raise a concern and have the occurrence documented, rather than to let harmful behavior continue unchecked. Additionally, if the behavior continues, the administration can reference a written report and recognize patterns.
No student should feel unsafe at school. Formal reporting is a right of all parents and students, and it is a way to protect our students. Advocate for your child formally, specifically, persistently, and with documentation to ensure that your child remains safe and protected..
Written by Tina Kanyongo, Summer Law Intern at Abdnour Weiker, LLP