I am in a neighborhood group on social media comprised of parents of students in the district and on the campus where I once worked. A few days ago, I encountered several parents voicing their concerns and complaints about the pervasive bullying that is allegedly happening within the district and on my former campus. I was saddened, though not surprised, to hear complaints of the escalating problem of bullying. While I worked in the district, bullying was alleged to be a common problem on several campuses, including mine.
What I am surprised (and concerned) about is the seemingly blind administrative eye that continues to be turned related to the problem of bullying, not just in this district but nationwide. Despite the mountains of data that details the emotional, physical and academic damage that can result from bullying, it seems that districts are still engaged in theatrics to give the impression that bullying is being addressed, when in reality, according to education data and a number of angry parents nationwide, their children suffer daily at the hands of their peers, and even faculty who are known-bullies.
Many people don’t know that often schools work to conceal bullying and violence to avoid state and federal accountability. The fewer reports there are, the safer the school appears. The sad reality is, there are MANY bullies in schools across the nation. Some are students, teachers, parents, administrators and school board members. Some teachers are bullied everyday by administrators to the point of quitting, being fired, emotional breakdown or suicide. I’ve seen administrators bully parents while breaking federal law in the process. Some administrators are bullied by school board members. Some parents bully teachers and students. All of this bullying is largely ignored and allowed to fester.
Until school districts step up and admit they have problems with bullying instead of trying to appear as though their schools are safer than they really are, I encourage all parents to become fearless and fierce advocates for their children if they are being bullied by ANYONE in school.
Parents, if your child is being bullied:
•Communicate the concern immediately, in writing to campus administrators.
•If campus administrators drop the ball, move up the chain of command, IN WRITING.
•Maintain clear, concise documentation of each and every incident related to the bullying. If you chat with a janitor about it, write it down with the date, time and name of who you spoke with.
•Don’t wait for the school/district to offer a solution. Ask for the accommodation or action you want to see that will keep your child physically AND emotionally safe.
•If the offender is a student and it is feasible, meet with the parents of the offender to work through the problem.
•Band with other concerned parents around you.
•DO NOT hesitate to involve law enforcement if it becomes necessary.
•Get the media involved if no one is listening.
•Speak with legal counsel early if the situation calls for it.
Be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease for the well-being of your child. Don’t leave it to the school or district to protect your kid. Your efforts to end your child’s bullying could stop someone else’s child’s bullying as well.
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