Getting Bullied at School? What Parents Can Do to Address It

Your son or daughter is being tormented by students at school. Snide comments, nasty rumors, “eye-rolling” have all become part of your child’s life. Your child has become increasingly depressed and often does not want to go to school.

When you discussed these concerns with the principal, he or she may have indicated an intent to help make things better, but the bullying has not stopped. Alternatively, you may have heard such comments as: “This isn’t bullying.” “They were just joking.” “Your child is overreacting.” “Your child needs to learn to deal with it.” “If your child would stop (describe behavior), this wouldn’t happen.”

But anytime any bullying concerns become public, an administrator will issue a statement, “Our district has zero tolerance to bullying.”

The approach schools have been directed to use to reduce bullying is not working. State statutes make bullying a violation of the disciplinary code. For necessary protection of students accused of bullying, strict definitions have been incorporated. Further, principals are unlikely to impose discipline based solely on the complaints of another student. Schools are also under great pressure to reduce suspensions. In some states, schools are required to make annual reports of “bullying incidents” — which are considered “black marks.”

As a result, we see a very absurd negative impact. In 2016, 71 percent of New York City schools reported zero bullying incidents. While on a state survey, the percentage of students reporting they had been bullied rose from 11.7 percent in 2011, when the NY bullying statute was enacted, to 20.6 percent in 2015.

Getting Bullied at School: Steps for Parents

To more effectively support and empower your child, and ensure an effective response by the school, you are advised to:

• Document that hurtful behavior directed at your child is happening in an intentional and repeated manner. This may include repeated aggression from one or a small group of students or may be more wide-spread. This could also include denigration by a school staff member.
• If your child is a member of a “protected class” under civil rights laws, which includes race, religion, or national origin; disabilities; or sexual harassment (including gender orientation or identity), document how the harassment appears to be grounded in your child’s status.
• Identify staff members who were nearby and describe how they responded. Also, identify students who may have witnessed the hurtful incidents.
• Outline how this is negatively impacting your child, including your child’s emotional distress and school avoidance. Obtain a letter from your pediatrician describing the harmful impact.
• Present this documentation to the principal. Alternatively, if the principal has a history of not responding effectively, contact the district office and ask to meet with a district level staff person who addresses issues of bullying. If this is unsuccessful, reach out to the state department of education. If your child is a member of a protected class, also ask for the civil rights coordinator.
• Make it clear you are not asking for the aggressors to be suspended. Insist they be held accountable, accept personal responsibility, and take steps to remedy the harm. This is called “restorative practice.” Also insist that your school take comprehensive action to assess and address the hostile environment.
• Empower your child to remain calm and respond with strength, but not aggression, if someone is hurtful. Remind your child that it is not always possible to control what happens, but they do have the power to control how they feel about themselves and respond. Focus on mindfulness and relationship problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to reach out to be kind to other students at least 5 times a day.
• Become involved with your school’s parent organization, to encourage your school to focus on positive school climate, student leadership, social emotional learning, cultural competence, and embracing a culture of kindness and civility. Promote the importance of conducting regular surveys to assess school climate and bullying.

Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D., is director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age. Nancy’s new Amazon Kindle book, Support and Empower Your Bullied Child: A Guide for Parents, provides insight into the challenges of bullying, legal protections, and guidance on how to effectively document what is happening to ensure appropriate attention by the school or district. Parents are encouraged to request restoration and remedy of the harm, rather than punishment—and to insist that the school engage in necessary actions to improve its climate. Guidance is provided on strategies to empower children and teens to become more self-confident, resilient, and respond effectively if someone is hurtful, as well as to step in to help others who are treated badly.