Bullying is an unfortunate problem at many schools. When children are targeted by their peers, they can feel extremely lonely and isolated. They can also feel lost if the adults in their life fail to provide the proper support.
As the parent, you must advocate for your child and make sure school officials take the proper actions. You must also address your child’s emotional needs to reduce the mental impact. Here are a few ways parents can address the bullying issue and ensure it’s resolved.
Know the Signs
Most kids are reluctant to tell their parents about problems at school. They may worry that they’ll be blamed for what’s happening. They might also be embarrassed by their experiences. However, bullying is often accompanied by certain signs:
- Anxiety about going to school
- Mood swings and irritability
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of interest in friends and hobbies
- Problems sleeping
If you notice the above signs or have other evidence that your child is being bullied at school, encourage them to talk about any problems they might be experiencing.
Support Your Child Emotionally
When discussing bullying, make sure your child understands that they didn’t do anything to cause the problem. Let them know that this is a problem a lot of other kids deal with, and that they shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Also, emphasize that you’ll be there to support them every step of the way.
Contact the School
As soon as you’re aware of what’s going on, reach out to an administrator at your child’s school. If possible, ask for a school counselor to be involved in the discussion. Most schools are eager to prevent bad behavior and create an inclusive environment for all kids.
Seek Out Legal Help
Bullying often goes beyond just name calling or teasing. Your child’s safety and well-being may also be in jeopardy if bullies use physical violence or threats. Emotional effects can be just as damaging, especially when they’re allowed to go on without intervention.
In this case, school officials must act to stop the bullying and prevent it from happening again. If they’re not responsive, they may be in violation of laws and regulations. Many states have implemented anti-bullying statutes, including New Mexico. An attorney will review your case and apprise you of your legal options so you can take action.
Bullying takes an emotional toll, and only love and support can restore your child’s self-esteem. However, taking legal action is crucial to deter bullying behaviors and ensure those who fail to protect children in school settings are held accountable.
That’s the goal of our attorneys at Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C. Our firm has experience with school injuries, including those caused by physical and emotional bullying. We treat all clients with care and compassion, while also using our extensive knowledge of the law to pursue the best possible outcome. Schedule an appointment by calling 505-343-1776 or contact us for more information.