Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to learn about the situation. Talk to your student and learn about what has been happening. Document any evidence that is available.
Next, you will want to find your school’s bullying policy and use that as a guide to learn about how you can report the bullying behavior. Becoming familiar with the school’s bullying policy will allow you to learn about how the school will respond.
Next, you will want to communicate with your school, provide evidence, and provide a detailed account of what has occurred. It is always best to work collaboratively with your school and to develop a plan to support your student. It is important to continue to communicate with your student, let them know that it is not their fault, and follow their lead in creating a plan that feels safe for them.
After creating a plan with the school, continue to check in with your student and the school to monitor progress.
Teachers are expected to follow a set of ethical principles as put forth by state law and local school policy. If your student is being bullied by a teacher or school administrator, the first step is to learn about the situation and document the incidents. Next, you will want to show what you have collected to your school administrator and outline how your student has been a victim. If your school is not responsive, follow the steps on the chart below.
Some parents are afraid that they will face retaliation (being treated worse) if they report bullying from a teacher. It is important to note that parents and students are protected from retaliation. You will want to document any instances of retaliation that occurs in the case that you may need to file and additional report.
First, ensure that that you followed the information in step 1. If your school is not responding, we have provided a chart with steps outlined below, along with contact information of one of our representatives that you may contact if you need additional support.
A copy of the school handbook is sent to parents every year. If you do not have a copy, you can ask your school for a printed copy or typically they can be found on the school website. The school board bullying policy is different than the school handbook. To find your school bullying policy, visit your school district website and find your bullying policy under the student board policies (Section 500). You can also ask your school for a copy. Additionally, policies for bullying can be found under the technology and discipline policy.
Cyberbullying is complex as there are no current state or federal laws regarding it. Broad recommendations do exist, yet more specific guidelines are not readily available.
However, many school districts provide specific guidance for cyberbullying and cyberbullying prevention in their technology policy or bullying policy. There is not an easy way to determine what the school’s policy is in regard to cyberbullying that occurs outside school grounds. Most schools respond to cyberbullying if it disrupts the learning environment. To better understand the bullying or cyberbullying that occurs outside school grounds, it will be important to contact your local district administrator for guidance.
Guidance for schools and parents on cyberbullying can be found here:
Federal and state laws protect students from being bullied based on a protected status. It is important to document all of the occurrences that have happened and provide a detailed account to your school. If you feel the school has not addressed the bullying, follow the steps outlined in the chart below focusing on the school’s response to biased-based bullying. You may also contact your school district’s title IX coordinator or NDE for additional guidance.
Before advising your student to fight back, it is important to be aware of your school’s discipline policy. Fighting back could result in additional consequences by the school. It is important to have preventative strategies that may lead to a physical altercation. Each school is unique in their policy, and it is important to identify your school’s discipline policy and identify their expectations for students if they are physically attacked.
If threats are made toward the student or the bullying is unlawful, it is recommended that you contact your local law enforcement. Contacting local law enforcement is important if your student is in immediate harm. They will provide resources and guidance on the steps you can follow. This also includes unlawful behavior that occurs during cyberbullying.