Understanding the Legal Implications of School Bullying and Harassment in Ohio – A Guide for Parents

Posted in Health & Wellness on September 5, 2024

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Bullying and harassment in schools are serious issues that can have lasting impacts on children. Ohio has laws to protect students, but parents play a critical role in recognizing signs of bullying and helping their children. 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. Of those students who were bullied, 22% said the bullying occurred online or through text messages.

Whether your child is being bullied or is involved in bullying others, it’s crucial to know the laws and understand the emotional impact. In this blog, we’ll look at Ohio’s regulations around bullying and share helpful tips for parents to keep their kids safe.

Ohio Anti-Bullying Laws

Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.666 requires public schools to have anti-bullying policies that outline definitions, reporting procedures, and disciplinary actions. These policies cover various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying.

Ohio schools are also obligated to address harassment, especially when it is based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, or gender identity. Harassment claims can also trigger federal legal actions under laws like Title IX or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Types of Bullying and Legal Recourse

Bullying can take different forms, from physical aggression to online harassment (cyberbullying). Regardless of how it manifests, parents have options when the school fails to address these issues. In Ohio, parents can file complaints with the school or pursue legal action against the district if it neglects its responsibility to protect the student.

Parents of children who bully others may also face legal consequences under Ohio’s “parental liability” laws, particularly if their child’s actions lead to injury. Parents need to take an active role in understanding and addressing their child’s behavior—whether they are a victim or the perpetrator.

Signs Your Child Might Be Being Bullied

It’s not always obvious when a child is being bullied or acting as a bully. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

Physical injuries: Unexplained bruises, scratches, or other injuries.
Avoiding school: Reluctance or refusal to go to school or participate in school activities.
Emotional changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, or frequent mood swings.
Lost belongings: Clothes, electronics, or personal items that frequently go missing.
Academic decline: A drop in grades or loss of interest in schoolwork.
Social withdrawal: Difficulty making friends or avoiding social interactions.

Signs Your Child Might Be Bullying Others:

Aggressive behavior: Increased irritability, anger, or frequent fights with peers or siblings.
Trouble at school: Reports of misbehavior or involvement in disciplinary issues.
Insensitive remarks: Disrespectful or mean comments about peers, especially on social media.
Lack of empathy: Difficulty understanding how their actions affect others, particularly if they minimize the feelings of others.

How Parents Can Help Bullying Prevention and Intervention

As a parent, understanding how to prevent bullying is just as important as knowing how to respond if your child is involved. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Teach Your Child About Bullying: It’s important to talk to your child about what bullying is and how to spot it. Discuss the different ways bullying can happen, such as hitting, teasing, or online bullying, and talk about how it can affect both the person being bullied and the one doing the bullying.

Practice Open Communication: Encourage your child to share about their day and how they’re feeling. It’s important to check in with them regularly so you can catch any problems early on. By talking regularly, you can make it easier for your child to come to you if they’re having trouble with bullying or if they see someone else being mistreated.

Be a Role Model: It’s really important for kids to see their parents being kind, understanding, and respectful. When you show that you won’t accept unfairness, it helps them learn to do the same.

Monitor Their Online Activity: It can be tough to recognize cyberbullying because it often happens without adults knowing. Make sure you’re familiar with the websites and apps your child uses, and keep an eye on what they do online to see if they’re being bullied or if they’re doing the bullying themselves.

When Legal Action is Necessary

If your child is being bullied at school and the school fails to take action, you can pursue legal action against the school district. Parents can file a lawsuit for negligence, particularly if the bullying was severe and led to physical or emotional harm.

On the other hand, if your child is accused of bullying, you should know that there could be legal consequences for you as a parent. In some cases, families may face civil lawsuits or be held liable for their child’s actions under Ohio’s parental responsibility laws. It’s important to talk to your child early on and address any issues to prevent things from getting worse.