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Bullying & Harassment
Parenting a child with special needs is never an easy task, and when your child is bullied, you are often left with feelings of frustration and distress. At Lavian Law Firm, APC, we take great pride in our dedication to assisting families and children with disabilities in effectively addressing bullying and harassment and promoting positive resolutions for all involved. We believe that all students deserve to pursue an education without suffering the harm that can result from bullying, and we work hard to help your child be successful and free of harassment.
Bullying vs. Harassment: What’s the difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, bullying and harassment are two different behaviors with some similar attributes. Both are about exercising power and control over another, resulting in a person being physically or emotionally harmed. However, when the target of bullying is a member of a protected class, and the bullying is based on that protected status, harassment has occurred.
Disability is a protected class category, along with gender, ethnicity, race, and national origin (and others), and there are federal laws that prevent harassment. A special needs attorney can advise you as to which of these laws and any state laws apply to your situation.
Signs That Your Child Is Being Bullied or Harassed
Parents should constantly be on alert for signs that their child is experiencing harassment or bullying. Some behaviors to be on the lookout for include:
- Your child complains of stomach aches or other physical illness that prevents them from being able to attend school,
- Your child comes up with reasons to miss school or fails to attend without your knowledge,
- Your child is depressed and does not have a healthy opinion of themselves,
- Your child has unexplained cuts, bruises, or other marks on their skin.
Steps You Can Take When Your Child Is Bullied Or Harassed At School
If you suspect that your child is the victim of bullying or harassment while at school, there are steps you can take to help stop the behavior. As soon as you begin to notice that your child is being targeted, you should begin to keep a notebook with information about the behavior. Include dates, times, and any other information you know in your notes. You can also contact your child’s teacher, principal, superintendent, or IEP coordinator and request an IEP team meeting.
You also have the right to contact an attorney who can explain your rights to you and advise you on the best next steps, such as filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights or filing a due process complaint.
Speak With A Lawyer Regarding Bullying and Harassment of Your Child With Special Needs
If your child is being bullied or harassed at school, contact our firm to learn how we can help promote a healthy learning environment for your child. At Lavian Law Firm, APC, we focus our practice on assisting children with special needs to receive the education to which they are entitled. We may be reached via our contact page.